REFLECTION:
I’m just coming in for a landing after several lively weeks that have included a demanding level of program delivery, significant travel, and more than a few family events and commitments.
During busy times, I find it relatively easy to focus. The priority tasks are clear – from preparing for the next day’s seminar, to packing for following day’s business trip, to finding a gift in time for a birthday party.
However, when pressing urgencies recede, the tenor of the day shifts. On one hand, I’m thankful for the pause and sense of freedom that comes with a more open schedule. There’s a greater ease when I’m working with instead of against the clock.
Still, in that expanded sense of time, I find my intentions lean to the ambitious. Ah, I promise myself, now I’ll have time for this and that and this and that – items that have been lingering on the back burner, hoping for some attention.
At the same time, distractions abound. Because there isn’t a pressing urgency demanding my attention, I am more easily lured by life’s flotsam and jetsam. And that, in itself, can be overwhelming.
Case in point. This morning my To Do list notes that these items await my attention: write a Pause e-zine, invoice and clean up from the last couple of weeks of programs, follow up with clients on pending holds.
And yet, so far, I’ve watered the plants, refilled my coffee three times, checked email about as often, dropped in to Facebook and cleared the spam comments from my Blog. None of these activities are part of my plan. They don’t even offer much by way of renewal or significance.
ACTION:
So how to sidestep the distractions and get on track? My most consistently successful strategy is simply to choose one thing and start.
In today’s instance, it has been crafting this week’s Pause e-zine. Once started on the task, the focus seems to follow.
So, if and when you find yourself floundering and frittering, check your list, then pick and go. It’s as if the simple act of beginning sends a message to the distractions saying, “Get out of here, or talk amongst yourselves!”
_________________________
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.” – Robert Brault
_________________________
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:
Revving up or calming down? From Zen Habits, one article for each state. Read according to your need.
http://zenhabits.net/2008/01/30-things-to-do-to-keep-from-getting-bored-out-of-your-skull-at-work/
http://zenhabits.net/2008/02/17-unbeatable-ways-to-create-a-peaceful-relaxed-workday/
_________________________
READERS WRITE:
Re last week’s Pause message on Goofs & Guffaws, reader KE writes: “I completely agree. Demonstrating an ability to laugh at themselves – on a world stage no less – was a powerful message from the Olympic organizers. There were so many great stories and lessons from these Olympics – lots of reasons to be inspired and examples to help the rest of us mortals put things into perspective. May our glowing hearts remain so for a long time to come.”
REFLECTION: I’m just coming in for a landing after several lively weeks that have included a demanding level of program delivery, significant travel, and more than a few family events and commitments.
During busy times, I find it relatively easy to focus. The priority tasks are clear – from preparing for the next day’s seminar, to packing for following day’s business trip, to finding a gift in time for a birthday party.
However, when pressing urgencies recede, the tenor of the day shifts. On one hand, I’m thankful for the pause and sense of freedom that comes with a more open schedule. There’s a greater ease when I’m working with instead of against the clock.
Still, in that expanded sense of time, I find my intentions lean to the ambitious. Ah, I promise myself, now I’ll have time for this and that and this and that – items that have been lingering on the back burner, hoping for some attention.
At the same time, distractions abound. Because there isn’t a pressing urgency demanding my attention, I am more easily lured by life’s flotsam and jetsam. And that, in itself, can be overwhelming.
Case in point. This morning my To Do list notes that these items await my attention: write a Pause e-zine, invoice and clean up from the last couple of weeks of programs, follow up with clients on pending holds.
And yet, so far, I’ve watered the plants, refilled my coffee three times, checked email about as often, dropped in to Facebook and cleared the spam comments from my Blog. None of these activities are part of my plan. They don’t even offer much by way of renewal or significance.
ACTION: So how to sidestep the distractions and get on track? My most consistently successful strategy is simply to choose one thing and start.
In today’s instance, it has been crafting this week’s Pause e-zine. Once started on the task, the focus seems to follow.
So, if and when you find yourself floundering and frittering, check your list, then pick and go. It’s as if the simple act of beginning sends a message to the distractions saying, “Get out of here, or talk amongst yourselves!”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.” – Robert Brault
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Revving up or calming down? From Zen Habits, one article for each state. Read according to your need.
17 Unbeatable Ways To Create A Peaceful Relaxed Workday
30 Things To Do To Keep From Getting Bored Out Of Your Skull At Work
READERS WRITE: Re last week’s Pause message on Goofs & Guffaws, reader KE writes: “I completely agree. Demonstrating an ability to laugh at themselves – on a world stage no less – was a powerful message from the Olympic organizers. There were so many great stories and lessons from these Olympics – lots of reasons to be inspired and examples to help the rest of us mortals put things into perspective. May our glowing hearts remain so for a long time to come.”