“Getting Things Done” By Poornima Vijayashanker
I also noticed that I’m most productive, creative, and able to handle challenges when I periodically take time out for myself. This is my secret to getting things done.
Too often I come across people who think they can steal hours from sleep, eat anything, or shirk off exercise just to stay ahead with work.But you have to focus on the basics before you can devote any mental energy to innovating and communicating effectively with people.
Now I know what you’re thinking, “Easier said than done!” And, “I don’t want to fall behind!”
Guilt
Many folks I meet say, “Oh I just feel guilty about working out, or getting 8 hours of sleep. I’d be letting my team or family down by being selfish.”
Think about it this way, is your team really going to benefit from your brilliance if you’re sleep deprived?
And are you really going to be pleasant towards your family and friends if you don’t feel good?
When we don’t feel good we aren’t doing our best work, and we’re also more likely to engage in arguments or be curt with family and friends.
Instead of feeling guilty for taking time out for yourself, think about how when you feel good you treat others well.
Time
The other excuse I get a lot from people is, “I just don’t have the time.” I understand that you may have many obligations: family, children, and a career. It’s great to have obligations and to stay busy. However, you want to make sure that these groups aren’t taking all your time.
In my previous post I talked about how to get help from others, because it is critical to the success of your career or business. While you might think you can shoulder the bulk of the responsibilities yourself at home and at work, doing so only creates resentment and stress. Let others in to help you so that you can have some time for yourself. If you don’t think they’re capable then find those who are, and if they are capable, great let them help out! Even a small change such as carving out 30 to 60 minutes a day for yourself can change your mood and outlook.
If you feel like you don’t have a strong support system, then it’s time to create one. If your workplace is uncooperative then start looking for others that are, believe me they do exist! And if you feel like your family will be reluctant to change, once again start small, craft an ASK of 30 to 60 minutes a day. Despite what you may think, people will be able to survive for that long without your presence!
The goal of time management is to give yourself time to do some of the things you love!
Consistency
I always advise people to start small when making changes to their personal habits. But just like any other skill, you have to practice, and you have to practice daily! This is another reason I don’t advise people to create some grand plan. Grand plans always fail, because they create too much of a hurdle to overcome and a lot of anxiety. Instead start with some incremental changes, here are a few suggestions:
- Get some shut eye. Force yourself to sleep 7 to 8 hours. If you have trouble falling asleep then exercise will help tire you out!
- Find healthier substitutes. Swap that candy bar out with a banana or apple or try a cup of tea instead of an espresso a few times a week.
- Automate or delegate. The next time a task comes up that can either be automated or delegated, do either! It doesn’t matter if this is at home or at work. Of course people will push back, but don’t let that stop you! You’ve probably done a lot already to help them out. It doesn’t have to be quid pro quo, but you should at least mention that you’d “really appreciate their help” so you can attend to some other things.
- Take a timeout. Give yourself the freedom to take 20 minutes out of your day to take a walk, read, or just enjoy doing something you love like a hobby.
Don’t continue to coast by on a lack of sleep, a caffeinated conscious, and doing everything! It’s ok to take a break, it’s critical to creativity, being a more conscientious human being, and enjoying life! I know you might be apprehensive, so that’s why I suggest to start small.
As you can tell I’m a productivity junkie and love to learn from others on getting things done, so if you have some suggestions please let me know in the comments below!
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