Last week I woke up tired. All morning I kept trying to “get moving” but I was dragging. Now, please don’t think I’m complaining – I’m not. (My intent is to share my reality with you – and hopefully impart some wisdom in the process.)
For whatever reason, I was just plain not my normal, high energy, motivated, knock ’em dead self.
As I dragged myself into my office – and looked at my to-do list – I could feel the joy I normally receive from my business slinking away.
Mind over matter – right?
Fake it ’til you make it – right?
Just get started and the momentum will carry you – right?
WRONG!!!!
Recently, Kim Pagano (host of the Kim Pagano show) shared this thought, “It’s hard to be there for other people, and fill up their cups, when you are gurgling the last bit of the water in your cup.”
With those words ringing in my head – and my to-do list staring me in my face – I realized I was at odds with myself.
I needed a plan.
So – I quickly prioritized.
- What absolutely needed to be finished TODAY?
- What could be moved to the next day or next week?
- What could be delegated?
- What tasks could be deleted?
I identified two items that absolutely needed to be completed – finished them both in 90 minutes. Then, reshuffled my calendar and took the rest of the day off.
The result? Come on, I’m sure you know how this story ends! I’m relaxed, rejuvenated, and much, much, much more productive after taking some “me” time!
The time “lost” by taking the majority of the day off – was “gained” through my efficiency the next few days. But even more importantly, a lesson my coach taught me was once again reinforced, “to be effective for others, you need to take care of yourself”.
Sometimes – we all need a reminder!
What do you do to make sure your cup stays full? Please post below!
Main image provided by Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net
I need a day to just get things organized in my head. Once I do that, the next few days just fly by!
It depends on the day! To-do lists are sooo helpful but some times a day to regain focus is just what I need. Also, scheduling in downtime to I don’t feel so overwhelmed helps. “Downtime” as in, do one thing at a time VS 50 things at once. This is a constant challenge, but learning to balance everything is part of life :)
Balance, mindfulness, all mixed with a dose of realism! Thanks for your comment!
I listen to what my body is telling me and remind myself that there are days to do and days not to do. On those days when I can’t do, I like to read a kick ass book by Janet Evanovich. I always feel rejuvenated and energized after.
Lily
One of my fav writers!!!!! Thanks for your comment!
Oh, Lisa. Thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been having this struggle getting up lately. This is much like eat your frog in the morning kind of thing, isn’t it? Sometimes I remind myself of the things that I WANT to do more than the things I have to do to get my lazy butt off of bed. Like writing or reading blogs like these. :)
Much much prayer helps too. Getting my strength from a higher power when I’m too empty to get up.
Love you ideas on how to get motivated, Lux. Thanks for stopping by!
I too am glad that you posted this. As a small business owner that has clients that need me 24 hours a day I find it very beneficial to completely “disconnect” for even a few hours a day. We just have to and we must learn not to chastize ourselves for doing so. During a recent day “off” that I spent with my daughter, I came up with an idea for my business that is now saving me time every day. It has taken me a long time not to feel guilty for being out of my office. Now I can relax and now that I will be better for doing so.
And . . . as your client, Sam, I appreciate your availability. However, I also expect a response within 24 hours, not the “typical 24 minutes” that you provide!!!! I’m sure MANY of your clients feel the same way!!! Keep disconnecting . . . you ARE better for doing so! Thanks for the comment!
Oh, I was just dealing with this recently. One Friday I just couldn’t get moving and the day was dragging. I did the same thing and checked to see if anything HAD to be finished that day and there wasn’t. I took the rest of the day off and spent it with my family. And, you know, I totally rocked out Saturday morning and got everything on my to do list completed. That’s why I love what I do – the freedom to make those choices! Normally, I try to take weekends off and completely break away from work but sometimes you just have an off day. Thanks for this post!
Amanda –
thanks for your comment! I agree – I also like to take the weekends off – however, sometimes I need a day off during the week also. So thrilled I can make those choices!
Lisa