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Your Career Is More Than A To-Do List
©
2002 By Deborah Brown-Volkman
How many items do you have on your to-do list? Does it
empower you to look at your list, or are you drained before
you even start your day?
A to-do list can help you get organized and focused. But,
ask yourself this: Are you controlling your to-do list or is
your to-do controlling you?
If you are controlled by your to-do list, and your sanity
depends on the number of items you check off your list, then
it may no longer be a useful tool anymore. Instead, it may
be a source of stress and frustration, and it is probably
standing in the way of you achieving what you want in your
career.
Career wise, this has been a very tough time for many of us.
We are either trying to recover from the shock of being let
go from careers we gave years of loyal service to, or are
screaming for help because we are overworked and
overburdened with the amount of time and energy is
takes to do the work of the people who are no longer there.
We are busier than ever. It's not enough to have huge
day-to-day responsibilities, but we also have our career
dreams to contend with.
So, How Can We Fit It All In? Follow The Following Steps
Below.
BEAT the Cold Winter of 2007 ARIZONA'S NEWEST WONDER
Kartchner Caverns State Park opened in 1999. This stunning limestone cave system is one of the top in the world. Visit Sunny Southwest this cold winter |
1. Recognize That You Are Already Accomplishing A Lot
You are probably accomplishing more than you give yourself
credit for. If you are evaluating your career and taking
steps towards moving forward, then you are ahead of most
people. Write down three things you have done in your career
that you are proud of. Pretty amazing isn't it? Congratulate
yourself for your effort. Don't let a few unfinished items
spoil all of your accomplishments.
2. Acknowledge That Your List Is Too Long
Satisfaction and fulfillment in your career occur when you
are making a difference, not when you are checking items off
a list. It's your experiences and interactions with people
that you'll remember, not the items on a list you didn't
take care of. Tell the truth; your to-do list is too long.
Pretending that it isn't, or that you have it all handled
will not shorten your list. You will feel much better when
the truth is out in the open.
3. Prioritize & Plan
You can only do so many tasks at one time, so it makes sense
to focus on what is really required.
Every morning, write down your top three priorities.
Be realistic. Doing this exercise will force to look at
what's truly important vs. what you are telling yourself
that you SHOULD get done. Make the time in your day to
complete your priorities. Then, you can get to some of the
other items only if there is time.
Be careful. You can easily fall back into the trap of giving
every item the same importance. You can beat a long to-do
list, but only if you stand strong and stick to a system.
BEAT the Cold Winter of 2007 ARIZONA'S NEWEST WONDER
Kartchner Caverns State Park opened in 1999. This stunning limestone cave system is one of the top in the world. Visit Sunny Southwest this cold winter |
4. Delegate or Eliminate
After you have prioritized, what remaining items can be
given to someone else or removed from your list entirely?
This will be tricky. You will have to be creative and come
up with good reasons why you are no longer the right person
to perform these tasks. If you are working, will you be more
productive at your job or save your company money if you
eliminate some to-do's from your list? If you are searching
for a job, will you be able to send out more resumes or go
to additional networking meetings if your family takes over
some of your household responsibilities? If you want to
delegate some of the items from your list, tell your company
or the people in your life what is in it for them if they
help you out.
5. Take A Break
You cannot conquer your to-do list unless you are refreshed.
Take breaks during the day. Spend some time reading,
exercising, or catching up with a friend. Get your mind away
from the list of what you have to do.
Bring some fun into your day. You will be amazed at the
shift in your perspective and ability to handle your list
when you incorporate some of these simple practices.
6. Become The Solution
Do you expect to be able do it all? Why are you putting so
much pressure on yourself? Yes, your career is important,
but so is finding a solution. Instead of finding fault or
blaming yourself for having some type of to-do list
deficiency, come up with strategies to solve the problem.
What processes can you implement to help things run
smoother? Finding a solution will not only energize you, it
will give you a sense of power and control over your list.
7. Get A Coach
No one should tackle career issues alone. And, shortening
your to-do list may not be something that comes easily at
first. Why not get a coach to help you? There are people out
there who want to assist you. All you have to do is ask.
So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it
might as well be one you love!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Brown-Volkman is the President of Surpass Your
Dreams, a career and mentor coaching company that has been
delivering a message of motivation, success, and personal
fulfillment since 1998. We work with Senior Executives,
Managers, Coaches, and College Students who want to enhance
their careers and improve their lives. Deborah is the author
of Living A Life You Love, The
Pathway To Personal Freedom, and the creator of the 21-Day
Career Empowerment program, a self-directed system that
gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to
lead themselves to a more satisfying career. To Learn More
Visit:
http://www.surpassyourdreams.com,
send an e-mail to
info@surpassyourdreams.com
or call (516) 432-2440.
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