by SUSAN BOYOUNG BAILEY SCHABACKER
When life gets overwhelming, don’t panic; instead, try these life planning and productivity hacks. Whether you’re single or a couple, and however alone or connected you may be, it’s okay – and a very good thing – to ask for help sometimes.
We often place all our efforts and energies on crossing off our “to do” list, but what about focusing extra support on our “honey-do list” instead?
If you’re going through your “to do” list by yourself and are feeling overwhelmed by just glancing at it, don’t fret – you’re not alone. Hone your focus based on priority, and take it piece by piece.
Assign numbers or letters or colors to your top 1, 2, and 3, or even just the first item on your list. If deciding is a struggle, consider the two main factors of time and urgency. Consider deadlines. Consider personal meaningfulness in terms of your mission and values.
Think about how each priority can help move your planning forward. Which ones are most important and invaluable? Which items on your list are money making to support your income and livelihood and which are mission minded for a charitable cause?
Our thoughts, however important, can easily become “dust in the wind” if we don’t log them in our memories or simply write them down. Some of those golden nuggets that appear in our minds as flashes of insight or light bulb epiphanies can be life altering solutions and even million-dollar ideas.
So, if you’re tossing and turning like the waves of the sea in your bed and you can’t seem to shut off your mind, roll over and write, voice transcribe your thoughts, or record an audio memo in your nearest device.
Wherever you are and whatever time of day, don’t let those most important thoughts get away. And, for the poets and songwriters, think of all you could creatively compile.
Take the time, whether five minutes, thirty minutes, an hour or more in sections to document and record what’s on your mind and in your heart.
Decide to implement some health-supportive, positive productivity tips to get you going and stay focused, to maintain your motivation and momentum, and to achieve your greatest goals.
One way to do that is to amp up your awareness and maximize your mindfulness. The more attuned you can be to yourself – including your mind, body, and spirit, habits, strengths, and weaknesses – the better off you’ll be.
If you can better understand where all your time is going, your energy is exerted, and your money is invested, you’ll be more able to streamline your success.
No need for paralysis analysis or for getting forensically meticulous about anything, but go for a basic assessment and reassessment of how you’ve been spending your time, money, and energy – including downtime on social media and just “hanging out.” Taking this inventory will be helpful, even invaluable, to your productivity level.
Boost your brain, enhance your cognition, and stabilize your moods by opting for healthier foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and adding the right vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens to your daily routine.
On the flip side, staying mentally, physically, and spiritually fit should not feel like a chore or be taken to an unhealthy extreme.
Remember to utilize deep, diaphragmatic breathing, re-center your positive perspective with encouraging affirmations, stretch and strengthen, and meditate and pray.
Whether you are more introverted or extroverted in nature – or feel they are of about equal proportions – being autonomous and independent are equally as important as connecting and maintaining real relationships with others.
No need to be dragged down by negative feelings like guilt or shame. Understand your innermost self and determine what your tendencies are with pros and cons.
If you find yourself alone a lot and are fiercely independent, spend more time with others and be part of a team. If you’re an extroverted social butterfly, set aside more “you time” and focus on being self-aware and self-care.
Whatever your plans, progress and productivity, take breaks and give yourself credit and encouragement. Be patient with the process in this journey of life as you live better!
