The Yes Problem
I have a yes problem. Do you have this problem too? It's not that I am necessarily a people pleaser, although that is a common affliction for so many of us. It's that I often find myself saying yes to things that I think are serving me and my goals, only to find out that in the long run, they bring me down. It can be hard to see on your own, but all of these 'things' we have to do, and decisions we have to make daily can bog us down and create a feeling of overwhelm or discord in our minds and bodies.
I've been looking at my busy days and feeling the need to create space for my business and set myself up for success while working with clients. I realized that life is worth living, and if all the activities on my calendar were beginning to feel heavy, it was time to let them go. This takes intention! To truly do the activities we love or that are intentional because they bring us closer to our goals is key.
I have decided to allow myself to let go of the activities and commitments that no longer serve me and bring me joy.
Do you want to work more effectively? Do you want to focus on the most important things and not allow other people to take over your calendar?
If yes, then here is how you start.
#1 Decide on your 30-day goal - what is the most important thing you want to accomplish above and beyond your day-to-day work?
#2 Outline the steps necessary to accomplish the 30-day goal and assign each step a time to complete.
#3 Calendar each step - this is key! By doing this, you will really take a look at where you are spending your days. Are there things on your calendar that were set up with good intentions, like volunteering at your kid's school, that only end up making you feel rushed or overwhelmed? Do you have too many personal things on your calendar during your work day, and it's holding you back from creating the things you envision in your company? Really take time here to see where you could open up space to have time to do the things that matter most to you RIGHT NOW!
And RIGHT NOW is key! I know I want to be involved in my daughters' school, but I also know I want to increase my pace when it comes to my business, and I can't do both. With eyes wide open, I have decided to put volunteering at the school on the back burner for the rest of the year. Does it make me sad? YES, but do I want to take my business to the next level? Also, YES. So I have decided to say YES to me and see with that clear focus what I can accomplish.
I recognize as I say all this that it isn't easy. I am always working towards finding the best schedule for me that allows me to focus on my values while accomplishing my goals, so I continuously review my calendar and examine if I am getting the results I want. If not, I determine where changes can be made and update my calendar. The truth is you are in control of your schedule. If it isn't working…you have the opportunity to change it.
If you need help deciding on your values and/or priorities in your current season, contact me at michelle@lifeaholicllc.com for a 45-minute conversation. I promise when we end our Zoom, you will feel better and lighter knowing you were able to work on yourself and your business to ensure personal and professional success. Don't wait; reach out!