If you think you are working too hard and still unable
to complete all the tasks on your various lists, you're
probably right. It has become a very common way of
working and living in our society today. Most people are
being asked to do more with less - less resources and
less training. "Just get it done!" has become the
mindset. This mindset has jeopardized quality and morale
at work, and at home.
Applying time management
techniques and setting priorities are critical if you
want to sustain your performance, and if you want to
maintain your sanity.
What it Takes to Succeed:
Set Boundaries - if you struggle with saying
"no", delegating and being in control, you're probably
taking on more than you need to because you have not
learned how to take care of yourself by setting
boundaries. Your need to be in control to make your life
and the lives of others perfect is taking up too much of
your time and energy. Letting go of such self-induced
pressures, will greatly increase your time and decrease
your stress.
Set Priorities- if you struggle with knowing
that your task pile is getting higher and higher, you're
probably feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating because
you have not learned how to get started on the most
important tasks first. The key is to not accept a
request as status quo; the key is to ask questions.
Ask the requestor probing questions like:
• "What is the purpose of this activity?"
• "What are your desired outcomes?"
• "What is your timeline?"
• "Who else needs to be involved in this activity?"
• "What activity has the highest priority?"
The more you understand and are clear about your
priorities, the easier it will be to set boundaries. The
more you understand why you and everyone around you must
be perfect, the easier it will be for you to let it go.
It's never too late to take care of you.
