LivSimpl

I have a confession: I quite enjoy trying to figure out ways to do things more effectively and efficiently. This comes as a shock, I know. I could spend a good chunk of time exploring methods, systems and hacks in an attempt stay organized and simplify things. I'm not sure why I find so much pleasure in it but I do, and it's all in the name of simplicity!

That being said, I think I (and possibly others) can get caught up in the method or system of trying to manage everything we do instead of thinking of ways to reduce the number of things we have to manage in the first place.

What can you eliminate?

Step back and look at everything on your plate. The items on your to-do list may seem overwhelming. Take a breath, step further back, and look at the source of those to-do's. Instead of going after the to-do's, attack the root of the problem by looking at their source. Which obligations can you remove yourself from, either through delegation or resignation?

Take an honest look at what yo have going on. It may be wise to take a half a day off work and think about it. Examine each obligation thoughtfully and ask yourself, "Is it worth it? Why did I start doing this in the first place? What's the benefit to me? To others?" You may find you have a lot of things you can quickly cut. Other things may take a little more reflection. But the important thing is to cut back until you feel comfortable managing what remains.

How to keep it from coming back

Once you've brought your obligations down to a manageable level, you must jealously guard your newly realized schedule/agenda/radar to prevent it from spiraling out of control again, and you must do this without guilt.

When the next "thing" comes up, vying for your time, you have three options:

1. Accept and replace. Whatever this new opportunity is, it's important enough that it should replace something on your list of obligations. This means you have to eliminate one of your current responsibilities, and it has to be something of equal proportion! You can't accept a position as a member of the board of a charitable organization and make the kids walk the dog in the morning instead of you.

2. Sincere apologies. Find the most tactful and sincere way to say "I'm sorry" and say it with confidence. "Sorry, I have quite a bit going on and I wouldn't be able to give that project proper attention, but that you for considering me." Don't let yourself feel guilty over this! You're not slacking! You're ensuring you're able to fulfill your prior commitments. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

3. Space available. Perhaps your circumstances have changed. Maybe little league has ended and now you have five more hours a week you can, and want, to commit to a new project or responsibility.

It's important to remember that every waking moment doesn't have to be spent doing something for somebody else. For example, just because there's space on your schedule after dinner On Thursdays doesn't mean you have to join your friend's roller derby league. Time for yourself and time with family are very real obligations, perhaps the most important of all. Don't squeeze so much in that you don't have time for them.

The result of this exercise? A more manageable schedule where you have less stress and more time to enjoy the things that truly matter to you.

LivSimpl

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this idea. Drop me an e-mail at LivSimpl at gmail.

P.P.S. This post was selected by ProBlogger's Darren Rowse as one of his 73 Top Posts from Last Week! Thanks to Darren for the link!

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Posted in: Efficiency, Perspective, Work on Friday, March 14, 2008 at