What Can You Do?

This past week, I have had a recurring conversation. It has revolved around the problem of being overwhelmed. People who believe they have more to do than they can get done. They live everyday with the frustration of knowing they did not get "it" done. Life has become depressing. They have lost confidence and energy in the process. Can you relate? If you can then you, no doubt, feel the weight of the question, "What can I do?" Things can seem hopeless and paralysis will set in quickly. There is hope. There is something you can do.

First, do you believe it is possible? Do you believe it is possible to do your job effectively? Do you recognize your potential for getting it done? If the answer is yes then you are ready to move forward. If the answer is no then you need to take a step back and look again. Recognizing your potential for performance is essential to your successfully pursuing it.

Secondly, do you want to badly enough? Is it something you really want to do? I am not talking about what other's want you to do. I am talking about your own conviction. How important is it to you? Motivation for performing is vital to making it happen. Motivation cannot be done to you. It lies within you. It is your choice.

Thirdly, clarify your "it". What are you saying you need to get done? Identify those things. Decide which one's are most important. Seperate the everyday priorities in your life from things that can actually get done Block time for both categories. Set up an appointment with yourself to get them done. Don't let anything or anyone get into that time. You can do it. You do it with appointments involving others. You can do it for appointments involving you.

Now, build some "margin" into your life. Place time between each appointment with yourself or others. Don't schedule insanity into your own life. Take time to breathe, relieve, and assess. Grab the things you can knock out quickly. Just don't look for someone else's work to do. Stay focused.

Finally, choose to say "no" or "not now" to things that don't deserve a "yes". Say "yes" to only those things you know you can get done. One thing at a time. Reduce your "it" list to three. Specifically the things that are terminal in nature. The things you can get done. Do the first one and then move to the second. Don't move to the next until you have done the first. As you remove one thing from your list then add one.

You can do something about what is happening to you. You can take control and responsibility for your choices. You cannot control what others do or think. You do not have to be a victim unless you choose to be. You can do it. Do well, my friends.