-Do you start your day feeling overwhelmed because you didn’t complete all the tasks on your to do list?
-Do you wake up in the middle of the night thinking of all the things you didn’t put on your to do list, and now you can’t sleep because your mind is racing?
-Do you wake up feeling defeated before you start your day?
If so, this stress may pour over into your relationships causing even more stress, anxiety, and pain… Then you’re leaving your house already defeated feeling lousy about your day.
Sound familiar?
If so you’re not alone.
Allow me to share some simple tips that I’ve learned to master over the years that you can put in place that will make you feel more at ease, and control of your day. This will you allow to have more productive meaningful days, and allow you to allocate time to what’s most important to you.
Have an attitude of gratitude
Example. I really do NOT want to go to work/school today… I dread that place.. Replace with… I’m so thankful to have a job/school to go to.
Take care of yourself
Make sure you’re taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Think about what you can remove from your day to plug in something that will benefit your well-being. Maybe your routine starts with a trip to Starbucks. Could you replace that with a homemade beverage, and short read of something uplifting, meditation, or a phone call to a friend who always uplifts you… or a few minutes with family? I know you’re thinking this is only 15mins. It will make a difference.
Keep a to do list
What did I not finish yesterday? Make a list and prioritize from most important to least. Is there a deliverable due today? If so put that at the top of the list.
You can do this on a scrap paper or something more sophisticated like one-note but this will give you a gage of what you need/want to accomplish
Be agile – If your day starts to fall apart. Take a minute and re-prioritize your checklist. This exercise alone will help you to feel more in control, and on track that you’ve outlined a plan to accomplish all that you want/need to.
Ask for help
We’re not super heros. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from peers, mentors, friends, and leaders. It’s not about what you ask but how you ask. Never negative, but always with a can do attitude, and even better if you can give a starting point so they have direction in how to help.
Delegate
If you can’t do it all think of people that can help you. ASK for help. In today’s society we feel like we have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. I promise you there are people ready, willing, and able to help. We just have to take the first step and ask.
And lastly do NOT feel like a failure if every day you go to bed without completing your to-do list. Sometimes we give ourselves unrealistic expectations. Sleep sound knowing you have a plan, and most importantly take care of yourself.
-Mandren