This Has Got To Stop

This has seriously got to stop.

Your overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, distraction and more.

You get excited about so many things, you start thinking about them and then you lose steam or even worse – get paralyzed.

You’re going so many different directions that you’re making little to no progress at all.

It has to stop.

You have to focus.

Or nothing will change.

And now you’re thinking, easy for you to say sister. “I have four kids, a demanding job, a spouse who travels all the time and I’m diabetic. How can I stay focused?!”

I get it. I’ve got kids, a biz, relationships and health related thing going on too.

But here are three ways I stay focused.

1. I simplify.

• I’m not trying to cook a new dish every night or become the next Martha Stewart. I have about five go-to dinners which we repeat every week.
• I’m a speaker and coach. I’m not trying to be a home organizer plus personal assistant plus a professor plus everything else.
• My kids have five outfits for their school dress code. Yes, 5 pairs of shorts and 5 shirts. That’s it.
• I don’t keep much paper at home or work. I trash what we don’t need, get bills and statements electronically and scan everything I can.
• I try really hard to use the one-in, one out rule. (Buy a new pair of shoes, get rid of an old pair).
• I don’t feel guilty about saying no to invitations if we have too much going on and I need some down time.
• I delegate where I see value. I have help with house cleaning and lawncare. I have a sitter who helps drive the kids sometimes. I have a 5-10 hour a week assistant to help me with my biz. I use a grocery delivery service. I set up carpools. I trade childcare with neighbors. I give my kids chores. (Lots of them!)
• Overall, I K.I.S.S. Keep it simple sister!

2. I use systems. A LOT.

• In my business, I coach, speak and train — all of which leverage the same knowledge, information and expertise, so I’m not always recreating.
• Laundry, groceries and errands are done on the weekend.
• I document processes for blog creation, speaking, invoicing, sales conversations and many other parts of my business.
• I create and use templates for emails, follow ups, sign up forms etc.
• I have certain days and times set for clients every week.
• I use meal plans so I’m not struggling with dinner ideas at 5pm. (When I have off weeks and don’t do this and always regret it!)

3. I am intentional with scheduling my work, personal and goal time.

• If it’s not your schedule…it doesn’t happen. Just like your dentist appointment or hair appointment, your work goals, your personal goals and your health goals must be on your schedule. Every. Single. Day.
• I prioritize the things that are important to me. Exercise, meditation, content creation, marketing, making healthy meals and spending time with my family. I create boundaries around my time to make sure that these things get my attention.
• I use simple tools like calendars, timers, reminders and post it notes to keep me on track and focused.
• I have a morning routine and evening routine that reminds me of my goals, helps me focus and helps me be intentional with my time instead of reacting to everyone else all day.

Reaching your goals isn’t so much about TIME management as it is about SELF management.

Streamlining and getting systems in place is how you succeed. Not being the best or the fastest or the smartest.

It’s doing what you need to do to make things easier, less complicated and less distraction filled.

That’s what’s worked for me anyway. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it too. Let me know in the comments below sweet friend.

Here’s to getting the right things done!

Xo,
Mridu

If your company, networking group, or professional association is looking for a dynamic speaker that delivers content-rich, interactive, and entertaining presentations, please contact me at 917.699.5495 or via mridu@lifeisorganized.com to discuss my speaking programs. I would love the opportunity to serve you and your company.