Recently I’ve had recurring conversations with people who feel off track with their goals and unsure where to put their time and energy.
It happens at this time of year doesn’t it? The fact is, when we feel stressed and overwhelmed, we sometimes forget to do the things that help us.
We all have some simple systems that have always supported us, especially when things get a little ‘wacky.’
Whenever I feel like I’m wobbling or a bit lost on what to do next, that’s usually a sign I’ve let some of my core habits and systems slip.
It’s a sure sign I need to return to what works.
To give you an idea, here are a handful of things that help me stay on track or, in this case, get back on track.
Write stuff down – I’ve said it before. Journaling is like having a personal therapist right beside you. Sadly though, when stress levels rise, my instinct is to ignore the therapy stuff and leap straight into work. I shouldn’t but that’s what I do. Writing stuff down, usually in the morning is one of the most helpful things I do to make sense of thoughts, stuff going on in my brain.
At the end of each day? I handwrite my plan for the next. It’s good grounding, you know the feeling? Too much to do can keep us from doing it, when it’s exactly what I need to stay focused and productive. Write stuff down!
Take a break, hydrate! The benefits of drinking water are well established. It’s silly, but it’s one of the things I forget to do, like going for a walk …
Clear junk! – Messaging. It’s important, right? I see the most important messages helping me stay on top of the most important communication and get in and out of my inbox quickly. If after a couple of days I haven’t acted on some of the mail inbox – I delete them, creating space … there’s plenty to help ourselves, helping friends is also a great way to do that, help ourselves.
I do understand these are all pretty basic, but that’s the point.
These are simple systems that support me. And there are simple things you do in your way that help make things run smoothly.
So let’s not abandon the routine support systems we need most, remember, they work – and are cheaper than the therapist!
CharlieKenny.me 