Spotlight on Priorities and Organizing
As the end of 2020 approaches, this is a good time to focus on how we prioritize our actions and organize them. Energy is always a key component in outcomes. If we are unclear on what is important and what needs our attention first, then we may put energy into activities that don’t need it right now.
Organization. Think how easy it is to act on anything when everything has a place and what we need is in its place. This requires less energy to get going and finish the project. The big picture view of organization is to have a system for getting organized. Then we can identify the tasks to complete within the bigger picture. Look around you – the more clutter we have, the more we need to get organized.
This was brought home to me recently when my husband asked why I had so many folders in my work file on the computer. He pointed out it would be easier to find what I wanted if I had fewer folders, each containing individual folders about the topic. At first, I protested as I consider myself a very organized person and then I considered whether this might be an improvement. In an hour, I greatly reduced the number of folders I had to look at when I start working. The “workshops folder” now has 44 sub folders. Yikes I used to scroll through all of those. This was a good reminder that the old way may be improved.
What is the outcome of not being organized and having too much clutter?
We feel less productive. This is especially hard on perfectionists. We know who we are.
We feel less positive about our roles whether they be in our work or personal life. This can lead to feeling that our work is not meaningful.
Our self-esteem becomes lower because we aren’t meeting our self-expectations.
We’re less able to look and plan for the future because we are stuck figuring out current overwhelming tasks.
With the pandemic, we are dealing with “an influx of more” that is challenging us. We may have more in our roles, more stress, and more clutter.
How can we improve this?
Figure out how to better manage our physical, mental and digital clutter. If we do this, then we will have fewer distractions and our energy can be used for working on the most important priorities. With the cooler temperatures, it’s a perfect time to take a quick walk outside. I’ve mapped a walk around the block that is 1000 steps. After hours at the computer, it’s rejuvenating to enjoy some sunshine and enjoy the seasonal decorations.
For the sake of our energy, don’t just think about what’s next – think about WHY this issue is our highest priority. Then we can organize the people and elements needed to address it.
One technique I find helpful is at the end of my workday, I list the most important 3/4 tasks I need to complete the next day. I then evaluate the tasks to consider:
Is there any information I need from someone else? If so, send the request.
What materials, reference materials will I need to get these tasks done.
What possible issues can go wrong and what contingency plan can I create to ensure the best outcome?
I often find that most tasks take longer than expected and then I can be delighted when a task is done in less time.
Remember to give yourself self-affirmations for all that you do and for working your plan. We deserve an “element of grace” when going through our new normal. Enjoy all that Fall brings – football, holidays, and beautiful Florida weather.
