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In a world where “too much to do and too little time” is a common mantra,
there’s a sense that everyone and everything has more control over our day
than we do. While we might be at the beck and call of clients, there are still
areas where the culprit is none other than ourselves.
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Using the word “control” as an acronym, let me suggest ways in which we
can begin to gain some relief from self-induced pressure.
Can
the clutter. Do you walk into your office and instantly feel a sense that you
could get buried in all that mess? Papers are piled on the desk, on the floor,
and in tiered boxes. Note that if this is your natural style of organization,
you’d feel pressure by having items out of sight! But if you’re like a great
majority of people, clutter only adds to the time spent in finding what you
need. Do you use everything that you have on display? Can you find items when
you need them? If you’ve answered “no,” proceed to the next
recommendation.
Out
with excess paper. Examine what surrounds you. What can you throw out, give out,
leave out? If you are months behind in journals and other publications, scan the
table of contents and keep only those items that you KNOW you’ll need. Throw
the rest away.
No,
not, never, not now. Say it. Practice it. We frequently nod our heads “yes”
like a wind-up toy because of guilt, fear, or a sense that obligation. Ask
yourself, why do you say “yes”. Perhaps even a “not now” would suffice.
I am convinced that if we do not put limits on our time, it will vanish with our
unknowing permission.
Talk
up. To curtail long conversations or meeting, learn these sentences. “I would
like to be able to talk with you but I have another engagement. Can you please
tell me your request (situation, concern, etc.) in 25 words or less?” First,
you won’t be lying with your opening statement. You will always have another
engagement—even if it’s with the report in your computer. Second, you have
indicated a willingness to respond. You have merely put a concise cast to the
conversation. It’s amazing how “25 words or less” can increase the speed
and fluency of conversation. As a variation on this theme, you can also curtail
a drawn-out conversation with this question: “How would you like this
conversation to end?”
Read
only what matters. And what matters concerns your business, your future, and
your soul.
Operate
early. This can mean everything from getting up early to doing things early. If
you pack for a trip, don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare, in advance,
your suitcase, your briefcase. The only things that need to be added are last
minute items. Create artificial deadlines that are in advance of the true
deadline. You’ll always feel more in control.
Lighten
up. Perfect isn’t always perfect. Look for and relish the unexpected. There is
serendipity when we allow ourselves to surrender to events and times over which
we have no control. The weather-hold which keeps my plane grounded allows me to
complete a piece of writing I could not have finished. The shop, which closes
just as soon as I approach the door, lets me walk down the street and find other
stores that I had never noticed before.
Getting in control is ultimately about getting clear on our work habits, our
priorities, and our values.
About the Author:
Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
is an international speaker, seminar leader and author of Work for a Living
& Still Be Free to Live and JourneyWork. For more information contact Eileen
at 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com
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