You find yourself walking in circles. You’re jumping from one project, idea, or fire to another, but not accomplishing anything. You feel pulled in a million directions. The demands being made on your time and energy are beginning to take their toll. You’re more emotional; feeling good one moment and depressed the next. You’re about to lose your mind.
When you get to a point like the one I just described, it’s time to shut out the world!
Close your office door, lock yourself in a bathroom stall, a closet, go out to the car, somewhere you won’t be disturbed. You don’t need long, just a few minutes.
Once you’ve isolated yourself, take several deep breaths and clear your mind. Don’t think about the report that’s due at the end of the day, or the numerous phone calls you have yet to return. Don’t think about the gift you have yet to buy for your cousin’s wedding this Saturday. Don’t think about the tuition payment that’s due by the end of the month. Don’t think about anything for a few minutes.
What happens when you have to many programs open on your computer? It slows down, or will shut down on you. Your mind is the same way. Give it a chance to reboot.
Now you’re ready to prioritize. Listen to the voicemail messages. If nothing’s urgent then you can return the calls tomorrow. You can always give your cousin a check, or go to a department store and get a gift card – let her pick out her own gift. If the tuition payment is going to be a little short, make a note to contact the school first thing in the morning to set up a reasonable payment plan. Put the note where you won’t fail to see it. If possible, ask a co-worker to answer your line if it rings so that you can jump on that report.
Sometimes, when we get lost in our Wonder Woman impersonations we can find ourselves overwhelmed. Even Wonder Woman returned to the island of the Amazon Women for a breather every now and then (some of you will remember the TV series). You don’t even have to wait till you’re be overwhelmed. Take a few minutes to give your brain a respite simply because it will help you focus better. If you can’t prioritize your todo list in your head, write it down! The visual will put things in perspective.
Shut out the world sometimes, and focus on you!
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