Kick Distractions to the Curb
Tell me on a scale of 1-10 how much you can relate to this:
A day that is fueled by anxiety… managing the ever-growing to-do list, answering frustrated client communication, dealing with team dynamics, keeping track of company goals and measurables, finding time to work on that giant project so that you’re not saving it until the last minute…AGAIN. Then, you attempt to leave all of that behind you so that you can go and cheer for your growing boy on the football field and drop off ballet shoes that your daughter forgot in your rush out the door to practice.
Yes, there are bright sides to this life of leadership, business, and family, and many times I’m happy to point them out, celebrate them, and bring them to light. Right now, however, I want to make sure we talk about the very real and very prevalent fact that countless business women are drowning in tasks, expectations, and fast food dinners. To put it simply, there is a mass crisis of OVERWHELM.
Part of the struggle is coming from the outside–too many demands are being placed on our time, there seems to be a new stressor every day (examples), and we assume high expectations for ourselves.
Truthfully, however, most of the high standards are NOT placed on us only from outside sources. In fact, much of the time we do it to ourselves. Who is holding themselves up to unrealistic standards??!!
And, finally, we fool ourselves that we can “Be everything to everyone.”
- Yes! I can solve this business problem!
- Yes! My house looks like a magazine cover!
- Yes! I’ve learned how to bake sourdough bread!
- Yes! My kids can be in two or three extra-curriculars EACH!
My friend…me too!!! You are ABSOLUTELY not alone! And, here’s the thing, we need to be vulnerable with each other and share our struggles. I know that we all do that comparison game–
- ”How come SHE has it all put together?”
- “HER family is thriving!”
- “How can HER business be successful right now?”
You never know, someone could be looking at YOU and thinking those things!!
Vulnerability is not winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.
Brene Brown
Let me tell you, I’ve been there myself. I’ve been grateful for the close friends and professionals that have been able to be there for me and walk with me through vulnerability and my tough moments. I’ve also walked through burnout with friends and family in different seasons of life. In fact, burnout can be a common affliction for professionals with families at home.
With my personal experience and training as a coach I’ve learned how to look at the big picture, connect that vision to our day-to-day activities, and time block for both productivity and rest. And, I’d like to help you do the same!
Throughout the next couple of months, I’m going to take you on a journey called, “Dear Burnt Out Businesswoman.” I’ll show you the precise steps you need to take to:
- Kick Distractions to the Curb;
- Set Boundaries;
- Learn to Delegate; and
- Integrate Think Time.
When unchecked, the beginnings of burnout can lead to more serious cases. Extreme isolation and depression are places we want to avoid! (If you’re already there, I encourage you to seek out a mental health professional. I have excellent references if you need one.)
So, I encourage you to follow closely! See if the tips I share start to make a positive difference in your energy levels and daily choices.
If you participate with me, I believe that you will begin to experience healing. You’ll find yourself managing your life and expectations more reasonably. Reaching your goals will become a joy again and you’ll feel more fulfilled.
Are you ready for the first step? Great!
Let’s Kick Distractions to the Curb!
Some days it feels like the distractions are just waiting for me to sit down to give my attention to an important task. How about you?
Mental fatigue comes hand in hand with burn out. This makes it more difficult to keep focus on one task, to zone out distractions, and to choose where to put our attention. And, these days, there are a lot of things vying for our attention!
You may be finding it increasingly difficult to prioritize your time and make space–both physically and mentally for the tasks and people that you’ve decided are the most important.
When you have fewer distractions, you’ll feel like you’ve gained the precious gift of time. Time to focus on that big project for work. Time to enjoy your family. Time to relax in a hot bubble bath…Ah….
My Top 3 Tips for Kicking Distractions to the Curb:
Visualize your Long Term Goal
I’m not talking about your goal for the week, or even for the month. Where do you want to be this time next year? In Three Years? Keeping this long game perspective can make it easier to sort out which things are important to focus on NOW. When I know that in eighteen months I’d like to help my son get his first car with no debt, it makes it easier to carve out time for the budget planning today.
Practical Ideas:
- Create a vision board or a dream board
- Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror
- Use a meaningful picture for your phone wallpaper
Create a Parking Lot for Distractions
Parking Lot–a place to leave something for a time, knowing that you can come back to it when you’re ready
Did you ever think of creating a Parking Lot for your distractions??? Crazy, right?! It’s a place where you can leave a task, knowing that it will be there when you’re ready to get back to it!!
Practical Ideas:
- A white board or cork board
- A notebook
- A wall filled with sticky notes
Time Block
Put simply, time blocking is reserving a section of time on your calendar for a specific task or group of tasks. Some people think time blocking means they have to schedule their entire day. Um, there’s no way that would work for me. I prefer to time block sections of my day, or my intent for a particular day of the week. I suggest that you experiment with it and see what works best for you!
Practical Ideas of WHAT to Time Block
Business
- Open office hours–time when you WANT to be interrupted to build relationships, complete team tasks, “open door policy”
- Do Not Disturb office hours–time for deep work–thinking, planning, involved projects
- Only 1 or 2 sessions a day for email, voice mail, and/or social media message checks
Home
- Chores or repetitive tasks
- Date nights or Quality Time with the family
What do you think? Do any of these jump out at you as solving a problem that you’re currently facing? Just one thing that you can implement starting tomorrow?
I know you can do it!! Begin with just one thing and you’ll discover:
- That you accomplish more important tasks during the day
- That you’re taking steps toward your goals
- That you’re spending less time on unimportant tasks
Comment and share what you think will be the most helpful!
PS – If the ideas I’ve shared here still feel overwhelming and like it’s just scratching the surface of what you really need, then let’s schedule a time to chat. Just you and me. 30 mins on the phone to uncover what your obstacles might be and how coaching can help you step into your power. You need control over your life. Stop handing over the reigns.
You can get on my schedule here.
Stop the path toward burnout today. Let’s kick distractions to the curb!
Make an Impact.
Leave a Legacy.
Selena