Over the years my life and responsibilities may have changed, but starting my day off at 5 AM with a cup of coffee and a pad and pen has not. Each morning I review my calendar and create a To Do List.
Most days my list is scary, and often overwhelming. I have now made a conscience decision to look at things in a different way. I now view each task with the “end game” in mind. What do I hope to accomplish? Why is accomplishing this goal or task important to me? Who else will benefit? Will it benefit the greater good, my family, or make someone else’s life a little bit better? These questions help me prioritize and keeps me focused on what I need to accomplish and why.
Now “Do I really need to put on my sneakers and go to the gym at 5:30 am?” becomes, “If I go to the gym at 5:30 AM I can check it off my list. I will be in a much better mood all day, and look and feel great”.
If I am really motivated, I can turn on the dishwasher and throw in a wash before I go. My bonus round can be picking up my dry cleaning on the way home! Check, check, check!!
When I get to the office I take the same approach. “How am I possibly going to get this all done?” becomes, “What must I complete today to do my job efficiently”, “What is my team waiting on and what tasks or system can I put in place to make Love and Quiches Gourmet our company more efficient”? “How can I help my teammates achieve their goals or check things off their to do list”? My motto is “worst first” (taking the task that is the hardest or that you dread the most and get it out of the way).
Then there are the things on my list that are not a must but can surely make my day better, like talking to a friend or mentor. Since we are all busy and time is a commodity I find first thing in the morning and in the car on the way to work best for a catch up chat. Four out of five days getting ready in the morning or afternoon chores can become mentoring or catch up with friend sessions. Now that is multitasking with meaning!
There are many things on my list that will not change my life one way or another if I complete them myself. For instance cooking dinner after work can be nice, but so is ordering in. A clean house is great, but having someone help is even better. Making the bed is important, but no one comes to inspect if you skip a day, do they?
I never forget to schedule in some time for fun, and laughter, especially on the weekends. (Read next week’s blog for more on this)
Throughout my day I always keep my “end game” in mind. Sitting on the couch with my husband drinking a great glass of Red Wine!
I end each day in my yoga room meditating, and reflecting on what I have accomplished that day. What still needs to get done? What needs to get put back on the list for tomorrow? What might have gone wrong that day? Lastly I reflect on what went right.
I then set the alarm, get a good night’s sleep, and prepare to press the reset button!
