Do your Priorities reflect the life you want?
When I got the itch to leave my corporate days behind, I felt guilty. I wanted change but had financial responsibilities and had worked so hard to build my career. For years, that guilt kept me on the hamster wheel chasing balance and giving everyone my all.
Like so many, I confused busyness with accomplishment and was miserable. Calendars full with everyone else’s priorities. Exhausted and pouring from an empty cup. A full plate with no room or energy left. I’ve been there, along with many of my clients, and I’m here to tell you there is a way out.
Start with ditching the guilt and the idea of “balance.” I could teach a masterclass about why balance isn’t possible. Simply put, you can’t give everything equal attention.
Chasing balance makes you feel like a failure because you’re juggling too much and trying to give it all equal weight. Something will eventually slip through the cracks.
Instead, get back to the top of your priority list and connect your actions with your vision so you can be intentional about where you invest your energy.
Quitting the balance habit isn’t easy. Here are a few ways to get started.
Put your oxygen mask on first. Create a self-care routine so you can recharge and refocus. Start small, try breathing exercises or adding a short walk to your routine.
Leverage the 80/20 rule. It’s the principle that you get 80% of your results from 20% of your actions. Try it by scheduling 90-minutes 2-3 days a week dedicated to your top priorities. Pick the 3 most important goals to work on in that time.
Practice saying “No”. It’s a complete sentence all by itself. One of my mentors once told me, “You are what you allow.” When someone asks you for one more thing, ask yourself “What am I allowing if I say yes?” If you say yes, is it more important than your priority work? That “no” will be easier to say when you allow yourself to be a priority.
Reconnect with guilt free pleasures. Make space for activities that energize you. Book a spa day to reward yourself for a win. Take a paint and sip class with a friend. Join a book club. You’ll be surprised at how your creativity grows when you “turn work off”.
Make your priorities reflect the life you want to live. Pick one thing and start there. You’ve got this!
Article written by productivity and leadership coach Nicole Chamblin who inspires leaders to build empowered, productive and engaged teams without burn out nicolechamblin.com