Is it time to say goodbye?

by Elaine Dumler

Part 3 of 3 (part 2 can be found here)

Stress is very personal, and so are the things in your life that create your stress. First, identify what “stresses you out” and make a management plan that works for you and your family. Begin with your “To Do” list.

Prioritize

• When your “To Do” list becomes overwhelming, the stress it causes seems unbearable. You need to get that list down to a manageable size and here’s how to do that:

1. Write down everything you need to get done on List #1.

2. Divide a 2nd sheet of paper into three categories:

• Critical – These items must be completed immediately because people or deadlines are depending on them. Some tasks that create conflict or are emotionally difficult to do should be placed here too.
• Important – These tasks are not as immediate as critical, yet still urgent.
• Postpone/Delegate – This category is a true stress reliever because it lets you delegate tasks. These tasks can slide for a bit while you tend to those on the critical list. Is it a task you can hand off to someone else? That takes it from your plate and may even work into another’s specialty area.

3. Now, return to list #1 and go through each item one at a time. Honestly determine where to place each task on your category list. You should have a new priority list that is fairly evenly divided among the three categories. This is more manageable.

4. Begin to tackle your tasks with the list under “Critical.”

• Try to set a few specific times during the day when you’ll respond to email.
• At the start of each week, review what needs to be done so you have a good idea of what’s coming up.

Organize

You’ll find extra time in your day if you organize areas of your life to enable you to function more efficiently. [Read more…]