Not my usual advice, is it! Normally, I’m telling you to set big goals, break them down into actionable steps, write those steps down and start taking action. One thing every day.
Recently, with the wedding fast approaching, a busy client load, and many assignments to grade – not to mention the energetic toddler – I have been experience overwhelm on a new level.
Oh yeah. It’s big.
And the To Do List is… well… LONG!
And I’ve been religiously following my own system. Breaking it down, taking action, every day.
But sometimes, that’s just not working. It’s not enough to keep taking steps, crossing things off the list, keeping going. Sometimes, you’ve been going so long with so many balls in the air, that the overwhelm takes over, no matter how hard you fight it. Instead of being in flow, things are frustrated.
At times like these, the only thing to do is:
Step away from that To Do list
Take a break. A long break. And find a change of scenery. And a change of tempo. Do something completely different for a few hours, or even a few days if you need it. Forget about the big goals and the tasks to be completed and let go. Allow yourself be completely immersed in whatever it is, so that no thoughts of your ‘list’ can creep in.
Your energy and creativity levels will thank you for it.
Which is just what I did this weekend. Yesterday was a total time out from all things work and wedding related. And today, I feel all the better for it. Ready for wedding preparations, clients and papers. Ready for flow and ease as I power through my list.
Pause for a moment and think about what you can do to give yourself a time out from the To Do list this week?
Hope you have a productive week!