Some of us have a tendency to keep adding on items to our “to do” lists and extending the complexity of goals or outcomes we need or want.
We often add bells and whistles to pretty much anything we’re working on because that’s what we think we need to do to create better results or be more successful.
But whenever we complicate any given project or situation, we don’t let our brains rest, and our results don’t reflect these “needs” we have for our endeavors.
When you keep the whole cycle of planning, accountability and completion as simple and clear as possible, your outcome will be a clean, simple, well thought through project.
Note the “well thought through” comment here.
You have to give yourself the time and space to think about what you are doing. It doesn’t have to be a long time, but we all need space to consider our actions and planning.
This is what I mean by thinking space:
- Set periodic alarms throughout the day for breathing deeply, and then take 10 minutes to ask, “Am I clear about what I am doing now?”
- Eat well, and without any interruptions, at least twice a week. Use the time to sit and clear out the huge “get it done” noise in your head.
- Get up and walk around the office, the yard, the school, the conference, etc. There are countless health benefits to walking, and it gives you another opportunity to cool down and refocus.
- Take intentional time to stay hydrated with water. It will help to clear those racing thoughts.
- Say no to the next request. It’s difficult to simplify a project while you’re adding another element.
- Leave some space on your weekly appointment calendar for doing absolutely nothing.
Just try one thing from the list above and see how it works for you. You can feel better, perform better, sleep better and just be a healthier person by letting some of the noise pass you by. You’ll finally feel like you have room to breathe.
Natalie R. Manor is the founder and CEO of Natalie Manor & Associates, a business consultation firm in Tennessee.
Current Issue - May 2024