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In a world where "too much to do and too little time"
is a common mantra, there's a sense that everyone and everything
has more control over our day than we do. While we might be at the
beck and call of clients, there are still areas where the culprit
is none other than ourselves. Using the word "control"
as an acronym, let me suggest ways in which we can begin to gain
some relief from self-induced pressure.
Can the clutter. Do you
walk into your office and instantly feel a sense that you could
get buried in all that mess? Papers are piled on the desk, on the
floor, and in tiered boxes. Note that if this is your natural style
of organization, you'd feel pressure by having items out of sight!
But if you're like a great majority of people, clutter only adds
to the time spent in finding what you need. Do you use everything
that you have on display? Can you find items when you need them?
If you've answered "no," proceed to the next recommendation.
Out with excess paper. Examine
what surrounds you. What can you throw out, give out, leave out?
If you are months behind in journals and other publications, scan
the table of contents and keep only those items which you KNOW you'll
need. Throw the rest away.
No, not, never, not now.
Say it. Practice it. We frequently nod our heads "yes"
like a wind-up toy because of guilt, fear, or a sense that obligation.
Ask yourself, why do you say "yes". Perhaps even a "not
now" would suffice. I am convinced that if we do not put limits
on our time, it will vanish with our unknowing permission.
Talk up. To curtail long
conversations or meeting, learn these sentences. "I would like
to be able to talk with you but I have another engagement. Can you
please tell me your request (situation, concern, etc.) in 25 words
or less?" First, you won't be lying with your opening statement.
You will always have another engagement - even if it's with the
report in your computer. Second, you have indicated a willingness
to respond. You have merely put a concise cast to the conversation.
It's amazing how "25 words or less" can increase the speed
and fluency of conversation. As a variation on this theme, you can
also curtail a drawn-out conversation with this question: "How
would you like this conversation to end?"
Read only what matters.
And what matters concerns your business, your future, your soul.
Operate early. This can
mean everything from getting up early to doing things early. If
you pack for a trip, don't wait until the last minute. Prepare,
in advance, your suitcase, your briefcase. The only things that
need to be added are last minute items. Create artificial deadlines
which are in advance of the true deadline. You'll always feel more
in control.
Lighten up. Perfect isn't
always perfect. Look for and relish the unexpected. There is serendipity
when we allow ourselves to surrender to events and times over which
we have no control. The weather-hold which keeps my plane grounded
allows me to complete a piece of writing I could not have finished.
The shop which closes just as soon as I approach the door lets me
walk down the street and find other stores which I had never noticed
before.
Getting in control is ultimately about getting clear on our work
habits, our priorities, and our values.
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