I don’t know about you but I am constantly bombarded with distractions
throughout the day – Emails, social media posts, phone calls and requests for
information and your time.
When you take time to respond to these requests, you may find that at the end of
the day, you have not gotten much completed. You end up being tired, burned
out and unfulfilled with a never-ending To-Do list.
I wish I could tell you how to fully eliminate all the distractions but I must admit I
am still a work in progress. However, I am proud to say that I continue to get
better and I am happy to share some of the tactics I continue to use to
successfully move forward.’’
Schedule a dedicated time to declutter your workspace- I put everything in one big pile and then decide what to file, scan, shred, etc. I also use different color labels and markers for my folders. You need to decide what will work best for you and then be consistent.
Review your to-do list and calendar the night before and note 1-3 priorities as “must-do” items for the next day. Doing this gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
No emails, phone chats or social media in the morning before starting on the priorities you have set, unless there is an emergency.
Turn your phone off or put it on silent at a set time every night and let people know that you are unavailable after that time – set clear boundaries.
Schedule 1 or 2 “reflection/clarity breaks. At least (1) 15-minute break in the morning and the same in the afternoon and move away from stressful demands and negative people during that time (give yourself time to think).
Break large task into smaller manageable parts so that they are less overwhelming.
When possible, delegate smaller task to others (this might include your children when you work from home)
If you are a techie, (I am not) look for tech tools that can be helpful. -To Do List Tool/Organizer: Asana -Meditation: Headspace -Productivity/Time Management: Pomodoro Technique -Notetaking: ReMarkable (or research other digital notebooks)
These are just a few tips to try. I welcome you sharing other ideas to help us all
#MoveForwardwithPurpose
You’re Invited!
To help you Move Forward with Purpose, join me on Saturday, Nov. 4th at 10:30 am EST as we strategize on adapting to change and how to best prepare for growth and opportunity in the new year.
Over time we have been conditioned to believe that More = Better & Busy = Productive.
However, as you know, this is usually not the case and often leads to burnout, brain drain and stress.
Most of us have long, overwhelming To Do lists, but what would happen:
If you slowed down and focused on one or two things at a time?
If you took time to reflect and recharge?
How would you feel if you practiced some of the success routines you have heard and read about- took a nap, a walk, or just sat and reflected for a short time?
I know it may seem a bit uncomfortable and may feel selfish, but I urge you to set some quality time for yourself.
You Cannot Continue to Pour From an Empty Cup!
Trust that reflection and focus helps you look at solutions and opportunities that you may otherwise have missed.
We need to break the cycle of trying to do it all.
Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation!
If I can help you move forward with purpose, let’s talk!
I hope that during these first few months of the year you have taken some time to reflect on all that you have previously accomplished, recharged and made time for self- care and revisited your goals and intentions for the future.
I know how easy it is to get busy and be distracted by things that can take you off course. Consider this a little nudge. 😊
Don’t beat yourself up about what you have not yet done.
You are too important to let your desires, goals and intentions fall by the wayside.
Instead, dedicate some time to review your intentions and write them down if you have not done so already.
Look at the barriers that may have prevented you from moving forward.
Was it skill or will that has held you back?
Did you really set a goal or was it just a dream?
Goals require planning, dreams do not!
Don’t let limiting beliefs and negative self-talk hold you back from moving forward with purpose.
If you need time to regroup, recharge or “just be”, then take some time, but put a deadline on it and set a real date that you will get back on track.
The best opportunities often arise during the most challenging of times, so give yourself some grace and be open to all that awaits you.
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t do.”
Now is the time to identify and leverage your strength and to optimize your potential.
Let me know how I might support you as you Move Forward with Purpose,
There is no bad time to connect with people that you want to build a relationship with, but contacting people only when you want a favor is definitely inappropriate and will send the message that you are a “user.”
Remember that networking is about building and maintaining a relationship and there is never a bad time to do this.
Just checking on people who have helped you along your life journey is a good place to start.
Several suggestions I make to clients include:
SEND A NOTE To rekindle a relationship, send a note to let a person know that you are thinking of them. Although no special reason is required to keep in touch, a congratulatory email, a thank you note, a birthday or holiday wish or an articles that may be of interest are good ways to build relationships.
Emails and text messages are convenient ways to keep in touch; however a hand written note or a personal phone call from time to time, can and usually will set you apart.
Sending a note telling someone that you’re thinking of them, thanking them for their support, guidance or their friendship will always be well received.
If you know the person reasonably well, think about something they have told you about themselves that you can add to the note showing that you have been paying attention.
You might also include an article, a book or some other small area of interest or token of appreciation. For example, if you know someone likes cooking, send an interesting recipe or a link to interesting cooking gadgets. This small token allows you to be a resource without asking for anything. Your note might just say, “I saw this recipe and thought of you and how much you enjoy cooking new dishes. I hope all is well. Please let’s keep in touch and catch up sometime soon.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out to those that you admire.
REACH OUT TO PEOPLE YOU ADMIRE You may have to step out of your comfort zone for this one, but sending a note to someone who you admire whether personally or professionally can be a good way to expand your network.
Reach out to someone who is successfully doing some of the things that you would like to do or learn more about, with you offering a compliment, not asking for a favor.
Let the person know what you admire about them and why. You might be surprised at how much your positive words will be appreciated.
I also suggest you have a few talking points prepared so that you are ready if the opportunity to speak with them personally presents itself.
It should be noted that when sending email or social media messages, online etiquette is mandatory.
There is nothing more annoying that getting a generic LinkedIn message (I call this the “lazy LinkedIn message”) from someone you don’t know, asking you to be part of their network with no indication of how they know you or why you should connect.
START A MASTERMIND GROUP The sharing of ideas with others who have ideas to offer is another great way to build a network. A mastermind group allows participants to learn from you and from one another. Participants may be of a different age group, race or gender and the group may be structured as formally or as informally as you like. Meetings can be in person or virtual and can be held as often as decided. This exchange of ideas allows for great networking relationships to be formed.
ATTEND EVENTS Although technology makes it easy to stay in touch, it is also important for you to be visible. Therefore, don’t rule out attending events, when possible, where you can meet like-minded people. This means attending events that are not only within your work field, but also events within your other areas of interest like MeetUps.
When attending an event outside of your work area but an area that you know and care about, you may be one of a kind and able to demonstrate your genuine interest and uniqueness.
NIX THE NETWORKING HANG-UPS The biggest reservations people express about networking is that they are uneasy about contacting people because it feels like they’re asking for a favor.
My response is: Don’t ask for anything, share something instead. Make it a point to build relationships and then make a habit of following up.
The best time to develop your network is when you don’t need anything. Now is a great time to start.
