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Help!
Help! My to-do list is killing me!
| Help! Help! My to-do list is killing me! |
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I do not like pastrami. My husband loves it
and can
not understand why I do not. What he does not
know is
that I have never even tried pastrami! I just
assume
that I would not like it. Alcoholics Anonymous has a
name for this type of behavior, contempt prior to
investigation.
This article may provoke contempt prior to
investigation in you, for it proposes a paradigm
shift
around balancing work, play and self-care. It is my
belief that when I
regularly schedule self-care activities on my to-do
list, I am more effective and productive in both my
work and personal life.
In his book Timeshifting, Dr. Stephan
Rechtschaffen
writes, What is wonderful and surprising is that a
brief period of conscious downshifting does not have
the effect of sucking time away from your day.
Instead, it creates time for you, paying you back in
what I call time freedom all day long.
Here is my challenge to you...your pastrami, if you
will. What if a balanced life really IS the easier,
softer way? I invite you to suspend your
disbelief for 30 days and experiment with balance in
your life.
For example, you might: Set aside 15 minutes
during your day to listen to
a mediation CD or commit to attending a meditation
group
Schedule time to take a nap
Converse with an old friend
Take a walk
Or simply stare off into the distance
Start with just one such addition to your to-do list,
and then periodically check in with yourself over the
next
month. Are you more refreshed? Is your sleep
enhanced? Are you better able to start and
complete complex tasks? Do you have more energy
for yourself, your family, and your friends?
In his book In Praise of Slowness, Carl
Honore shares
these suggestions:
Do not schedule something in every free moment
of your day
Prioritize activities and cut from the bottom of
the list
Limit television watching
Keep an eye on your personal speedometer so
you can gauge when you are rushing for speed's sake
rather than necessity
A hectic schedule is the number one reason given by
prospective clients for not investing in
coaching. Of interest to me is that existing
coaching
clients see their lives in the reverse; clarity of focus
allows them to pare down their to-do lists and move
forward on just the tasks that matter the most to
them.
It is a paradox that living fully in this moment can
indeed make you more efficient. It is a matter of
balance.
Here are additional resources to inspire and move you
forward at exactly the pace that honors you!
Help! Help! My to-do list is killing me! In-Person
Seminar
(January/February 2007, Frederick, Maryland).
The slow
movement with information on slow food,
slow cities, slow travel, slow living, and more
The
history of the slow movement
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, to
learn more about your personality preferences as a
way of honoring your own preference around
deadlines, timelines, and planning while still
downshifting.
The slow
society.
Long Now -
Perspective on time.
And
my personal favorite, a slow coach!
Until next month,
Blessings &
Light.
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| Upcoming classes and events |
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Help! Help! My to-do list is killing me!
Make time to attend!
Coming to the UU Congregation of
Frederick, January/February 2007
Coming to Frederick Community
College in summer 2007
This is NOT a time management class, meaning the
focus will NOT be on accomplishing more tasks in less
time. Rather this is a time awareness class, offering
an opportunity to identify and claim who you truly
wish to BE in your precious time.
This seminar offers both introspection and discussion
around what you get out of the tasks that populate
your to-do list, and invites you to use that valuable
information to create the to-do list of your dreams!
As a result of participating in this class you may
slow down and really experience your physical and
emotional state, enjoy the benefits of focusing on
one thing at a time, and expand your view as to
what is truly important in your life.
Class includes a graduation celebration with invitation
to commit to your new and improved to-do list!
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Copyright 2006, A New Leaf Coaching -
Anne
Kelly
All rights in media reserved. The content of
Give and Take may be forwarded in
full without special permission provided it is used for
non-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright
notice are given. For other purposes, please contact
Anne
Kelly.
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