Like everyone else, I get stressed at times, especially when I’m dealing with a big project. My first thought can be, “How am I going to get it all done?” Now, I work for myself and have supposedly “complete” control over my time. At least that’s what people think. I can only imagine what it’s like for those of you working for someone else who have to respond to unexpected assignments and projects that pile up because you weren’t given enough time to get the first ones done. It’s enough to make ANYONE feel burned out.
But let me share a one-step two-minute exercise that has worked for me for years when trying to overcome this overwhelm. I think it will work for you too, even if you work for someone else. It’s this simple – break larger projects and assignments into small tasks that can be accomplished in 15 to 20 minutes or less. Now, you might think, “Well, duh! I know that.” But do you practice it? One of the things that energizes our brain is a sense of accomplishment, the feeling that we got something done. Admiral Bill McRaven, former Commander of US Special Forces lists “make your bed” as the first thing to do every morning. “If you get nothing else done during the day,” he says, “at least you know you’ve accomplished one thing.”
The secret is momentum. It’s tough to look at a blank screen, knowing that you need to write a proposal. It’s difficult to get started on building a spreadsheet when there’s nothing but thousands of little rectangles staring at you. You get the idea.
Get out a sheet of paper and take two minutes to break the task into 5- 10- or 15-minute little tasks. Then begin. Don’t over think it. Just do it. If you forget something, add it later. If one of your original mini-tasks need to be broken down even more, do it. The key here is to create a sense of momentum.
Why paper? Because you get to cross each one of these little tasks off. I, for instance, always have a black Sharpie with me. Every time I complete a little task, I get to cross it off! I’ve become conditioned to do this. It’s those little emotional highs that keep me going, especially during long days. As a result, I avoid the sense of burnout than can envelope me when the going gets tough.
Try this tactic. Make it a habit. Enjoy the reward of crossing stuff of your list.
So there! This post is finished. Now where’s my black Sharpie?