Intentional Living Series Week Twenty-Eight: Getting Back On Track

"Don't look where you fall but where you slipped". ~African Proverb

In Week 27 I discussed how to become more energized by changing your scenery. I suggested you stay local but explore a new route to work or try a new restaurant instead of going to your favorite hangout. It is about taking the time to move out of your routine and see where it takes you. This week I am going to discuss what happens when we misjudge our ability to get it all done and how to get back on track. 

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to living your Lifetime Priorities? Is it being overly optimistic about your capacity to take on everything that interests you? Or do you misjudge the amount of time it takes to complete a commitment. Whatever it is, you aren't alone. We all find ourselves over-booked and out of time on occasion. But there are three steps you can follow to get back on track when you are feeling over-whelmed. 

First, prioritized your commitments. Decide what commitments are most important to you and put them in priority order. Be honest in your assessment. Is it really important to you or do you feel it is something you should do?  Do you have any flexibility when it comes to when it must be accomplished? Did you set an arbitrary deadline or is there an external reason the deadline must be met. Do your commitments track with your LPs?

Second, ask for help. Reach out to your spouse, family or friends to get help if you are in a crunch. If you don't abuse their good nature by asking them to rescue you to often, they will more than likely be willing to help you. But remember these are your LPs, not theirs. They are helping you accomplish your priority, not taking them on as their own. 

Third, work one commitment at a time until complete. Worrying or complaining about how busy you are won't get it done. Getting up off the sofa and going to work will. Yes, there will be a time to ask "How did I get myself into such a bind?" but that comes after the work is done. 

Finally, don't beat yourself up. You would forgive a friend for taking on a little too much on occasion, why not yourself?

Week 28 Assignment: Are you over extended? If you are, develop a plan to lighten the load. 

Get caught up on the entire Intentional Living series: