Let’s be 100% real for a minute….Time management is an extremely crucial quality to have, and it is really simple to acquire if your goal is truly important to you!
Yes, sometimes things are out of our control completely and it makes it impossible for us to get everything (or maybe even just a couple of things) done that we planned to do. Ugh, I know the struggle!
I am a perfectionist to a fault. Meaning that it is both simultaneously my biggest strength and my greatest weakness. Yes, it will be correct! But, it may be delayed because I will go over and over it again with a fine tooth comb until I am completely satisfied with it.
It isn’t because I think I may have done it wrong, it’s because I am trying to do it better. I am constantly trying to improve on something that I haven’t even “finished” to begin with. Can you relate?
As funny and infuriating that this is to me on a daily basis, I have found certain things that help with focusing while allowing me to complete the task at hand quicker and with less distractions.
Procrastination & Time Management are two things that never work well together!
I often find myself reluctant to begin something simply because I know the amount of pressure that I put on myself with trying to perfect it along the way. So the task becomes paralyzing while I contemplate and overanalyze the infinite amount of ways to complete something, while at the same time sorting through potential solutions to figurative problems to begin with. Sounds crazy, right? It’s mentally and physically exhausting! And I know I’m not alone!
Here are a few steps that I have found help me to stay focused and slay my goals!
1.) Make A List – A simple list. Lets not overcomplicate things by going into too much detail here. Just a simple list of the things you need to do to prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed by trying to multi-task on too many things. Lists create visual accountability and help create a solution for that annoying problematic feeling of “What was I doing again? or “What did I need to be doing?”
Stress happens when you become overwhelmed by trying to do too many things at once.
Lists will prevent this! If you stick with them!
Multi-tasking is something that automatically happens when you get in a situation where you need to do two things at once. Most of the time, this is a relatively easy thing to do. For example, talking on the phone while loading the dishwasher or being able to answer calls and take notes. There are times when multi-tasking is nearly impossible for anyone. (If you say it isn’t, I’d love to watch you listen to two different people tell you two different stories while you simultaneously write down both stories accurately.) It can be impossible. So, prioritizing is imperative…
2.) Do NOT Overcommit! – As a reformed people pleaser my entire life, I realize the difficulty this step will bring. Will people hate me because I said no? Will they no longer want to be my friend because I last minute backed out of something for my mental health? Will saying no to adding on another task to my plate make my peers think I am not capable of performing my duties to the best of my ability. The answer to all of these questions and many more is a resounding, NO! On the contrary, taking on too many things at once can be counterproductive and cause more problems in the long run.
Other peoples annoyed perspective of you saying no by not wanting to add more stress on yourself and trying to maintain a healthy mental and physical balance in your life, is not your problem. Frankly, it’s theirs and to their detriment…their loss!!
Making sure you keep your plate in life balanced and not overwhelmed is key in being able to keep things flowing properly. (Checkout this video Netflix – Dead to Me “Saying No” and watch how empowering it is to say NO to shit that you don’t want to do or just can’t mentally or physically allow yourself to take on!)
Saying no does not make you a bad person! And if those people truly care about you then they will understand.
3. Just DO IT! – My least favorite of all, just do it! Why is it my least favorite you ask? Because it calls me out on my BS and forces me to get off the couch and make it happen! You are and always will be your biggest accountability partner. There are no shortcuts to success or no magic pill to lose that extra weight. You have to do it yourself! You have to get up and make it happen! Rain or Shine!
You are your biggest supporter and your worst critic!
The only way to reach your goals is simply by starting! One. Little. Step. And it will add up to your finished goal and you will feel so incredibly proud of yourself. But, it starts by taking that first step. Have you ever noticed how awesome you feel after you finish doing something that you weren’t particularly thrilled about getting up and doing in the first place? Take that past feeling of accomplishment and use it as the needed fuel to take on this next task! You can do it! And I will promise you that it will be worth it!
You are capable of achieving great things in life if you truly believe you can and are willing to put in the long hours and the hard work to make it happen!
Here are some simple items that I always keep in my home office space for a little mood pick-me-up that makes my inspiration vibes thrive:
1.) My organizer/planner – I have used Erin Condren planners for years & love them!
2.) Cute pens – They really do help inspire you to write and create those lists!
3.) Colorful highlighters – What better way to add color and happiness to those lists?!
4.) Scented hand lotion – Currently alternating the stress relief and focus lotion from BBW. So relaxing!
5.) Message board or chalkboard – Keep inspiration everywhere in your life!
6.) Candle or wax warmer – I love it when my room smells fresh and inviting!
7.) My favorite book – Whatever inspirational book that I’m reading at the time.
8.) Mints/Gum – Silly, but effective! Try it!
At the end of the day, you and only you truly know what works best for you. Because only you know what is holding you back. Too much social media? Too much TV? Whatever your time sucking vice is, it can be beat and you can slay your goals!
I hope you found this helpful and if you did, please share with friends and family and don’t forget to subscribe to get email notifications on the newest blog posts!
Until next time, Stay Blessed Beautiful Mommies!
The Introverted Mommy 