My to do list this past weekend was at least a mile long. Realistically, there was no way I could complete everything on Saturday and Sunday. With limited time during the week, the weekend is the ideal time for most of us to get things done. And that's usually the case for me, too...my weekends are usually quite productive. In fact, I take great pride in how much I am able to accomplish in a single weekend. This weekend was a little different though.
As usual, I left the office on Friday and had to run one quick errand on the way to pick the kids up from school (got to start on that to do list, right?). So I ran into the store and picked up a novel that several of my friends highly recommended along with a couple of other things. While waiting for the kids to get out of school, I opened up the book and started reading. Well, I had to wait a little longer than I had anticipated, but just long enough to be completely drawn into the book. I spent much of the remainder of the weekend reading instead of tackling that gigantic to do list. I very rarely (ok, never) do anything like this where the majority of the weekend is spent doing what I want to do. The problem was that I still had to face the list on Monday morning.
Usually, this would lead to great anxiety for me. But this time was different. I'll admit I had a twinge of guilt about "wasting" the entire weekend when there were so many other things that I should have been doing. But when I really thought about it, I realized that I was starting the week relaxed and refreshed. Hmmm, that's very interesting, don't you think? I got nothing done AND didn't feel guilty about it at ALL! And because I felt so refreshed from the weekend, I have been able to attack my list with a vengance!
Obviously, it's not practical to spend every weekend like this. But it is important to take some time for yourself periodically and do something that gives you time to unwind, recharge your batteries, and keep you feeling balanced. The result will be increased productivity. I know this may sound a little counter-intuitive, but it's true.
My challenge to you is to find something (or nothing) that makes you feel this way. Schedule an hour or so (yes, write it in your calendar) to do this. Then look at your to do list again...suddenly it doesn't seem so daunting. Sometimes letting go of the things we think we should be doing better prepares us to face them.
What helps you unwind and recharge? I'd love to hear your comments!
Relax and enjoy life!
Coach April
www.nexuscoachingpartners.com
"Bringing Inspiration to Life!"
P.S. If you'd like help getting started, call me for a free 30-minute coaching session. I have many different tools and tips to help you create the life you dream about!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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