What to do when there's too much to do....
Mondays (or whatever day of the week is your proverbial Monday- shout out to those of you who are keeping us safe and running all weekend!) are tough for several reasons: return to the world of work, school, or chaos perhaps; change in demands/rhythm; facing a to do list that seems insurmountable; etc. Whatever the cause, below are some tips to get you jump starting the day/week in a productive and fulfilling manner. I have narrowed down the list to those top three strategies that have been most helpful to me including something I hope if helpful starting now!
In the short term, as in #doitnow, prioritize what MUST get done today. I know it can be difficult to set the time aside when it feels like there is no time, but I promise you it is time well invested. If it seems like too many tasks are MUSTs, rank them by priority, if possible, or pick 2-3 and make sure to knock those out first. This approach helps you build momentum instead of becoming stuck in overwhelm. It reduces the risk of procrastination and doom scrolling while giving you a sense of accomplishment and control over your day.
In the intermediate term, consider setting aside ten minutes most days to sit with an old-fashioned pen, pencil, or marker (be creative/fun if you feel like it!) and a piece of paper. Step away from your devices and allow your mind to rest and wander. If possible, do this outside. A little quiet reflection and time in nature can go a long way.
In the longer term, whenever possible, even if you have to look at your calendar a month or more out- time block! This means gathering your various paper and digital calendars into one system so you can see an accurate picture of where your time is actually going.
Start with your ideal time block for sleep. How many hours do you need to feel rested? What hours of sleep do you feel most rested, that also fit reasonably into your day? If you cannot answer these questions, time block time to find out! The sleep first approach is important because sleep impacts our performance in everything we do- physically, mentally, emotionally, and cognitively. There is often more within our control than we realize. It is not easy and I promise it is possible. If you need assistance in this area, contact our office or start with this list of sleep behavior that I have curated over my decades in behavioral health:
Next, put all your priority tasks in, which might be important projects, time with family or friends, a fitness or art class you have had on your bucket list for years, time to stop and check your nutrition or water goals, etc. Give yourself enough time for the task, minimize unnecessary task-switching, and remember to account for travel time and transitions between activities (applicable to all following steps/tips). I have fallen into this pitfall of time blocking many times, which left me overwhelmed and frustrated; learn vicariously if you can!
After you fit your priorities in, look at the next layer of priorities. What must you do each day? This could be work, driving children or family around, scheduled commitments, etc. Why aren't these things higher on the list, you might ask? Because these can easily consume your entire day, everyday, and you may not ever get time to live your values or be self-directed. Most of us have to work, and we also deserve to prioritize the parts of life that make the hard work worthwhile.
When life feels overwhelming, remember that productivity is not about doing everything. It's about identifying what matters most and taking the next meaningful step. Give one of these strategies a try and let us know what works for you. Wishing you a productive, self-directed, and fulfilling week ahead.
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