How to Set Yourself Up for Success

If there is one thing the pandemic has highlighted in our life is our ability to be resilient in a time of extreme stress. In order to help combat this stress it is important that we manage our time in the most productive and efficient way possible. The downfall to becoming more efficient is the idea that we can add more tasks to our to-do list, which lead to more pressure and increased stress. When we are feeling overwhelmed and stressed it is best to attack the root cause of our stress; these root causes include the following: the number of tasks on our to-do list, decisions that need to be made, and distractions we are facing (Harvard Business Review).

There are three things that you can do to help ease the pressure and stress you are feeling on a day to day basis (Harvard Business Review):

Reduce the Volume of Tasks

As soon as we add a ‘to-do’ to our list we begin to create pressure on ourselves to deliver and if we don’t deliver we create the stress of trying to renegotiate later. In order to hold our line we need to examine whether these to-do's are assigned to us or if we have chosen to take them on.

For the tasks that are assigned to you, look into prioritizing them and tackle them one item at a time. For tasks that you choose to take on, the first thing you need to do is determine whether or not it is a necessity and if you decide that it is necessary make sure to schedule them in your calendar so you have a set time blocked off to work on the task. By documenting it in your calendar you can get a realistic view on how much you can take on in a given day.

Replace Decisions with Principles

When we are continually faced with making decisions we can experience what scientists call cognitive overload - this can lead to our inability to cope. Our cognitive overload can lead to making errors which enhances our feelings of being overwhelmed. In order to combat this we need to learn to replace our decisions with principles. One thing that I have done in my work to help with this is to dedicate one day a week where I do not schedule any meetings - I use this day to wrap up loose ends. By doing this I have found that I am much more productive and feel less overwhelmed throughout the week.

Use Structure, Not Will Power, to Minimize Distractions

It is no surprise that distractions sidetrack us from accomplishing our tasks and making our most important decisions. These distractions can have a huge impact on our stress level; when we are distracted we don’t feel like we are being productive or making progress. When it comes to combating distractions, having structure is much more effective than using your willpower.

One way you can help eliminate distractions is to schedule periods of time throughout the day where you can reflect and decompress. This can help you get grounded and feel energized to complete your next task.

The message here is to simplify your life instead of taking on more tasks, learn to prioritize your work, and decide what is essential. This is a life lesson that can help in any area of your life and is needed in order to be successful and feel accomplished.

If you would like to get a more in depth understanding of this concept reach out and I will be happy to help - info@atozeduationalconsulting.com or 612-735-1261.