Properly Managing a Hectic Schedule

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. -Abraham Lincoln

   

I find that people with good intentions often say yes when asked to take on more responsibility and activities in addition to their regular schedules.  In many instances we are already stressed out and over burdened, so why are we so quick to take on more?  The answer lies in our need to be involved, be a part of something larger than ourselves, and the desire to succeed.  If that describes you, then understand that such motivation can be extremely positive.  However, we can easily over extend ourselves to the point that we are busy, but not getting much of anything accomplished.   

Do you sometimes feel that you are forever trying to keep your house clean, yet the work is never done?  The fact is, the work is never done, but rather has to be managed.  When we begin to view our schedules in a similar light we begin to see that our responsibilities are never quite through, but rather must be managed from day-to-day.  There will come a time when all my responsibilities are finished, and that should be when someone is saying a few kind words, hopefully, at my funeral.  Until then it’s up to me to properly manage my schedule.   

You will see from previous blogs that staying active is positive and encouraged.  However, know where to draw the line between being too involved and trying to do too much.  Only you know where that line is, and you will certainly know when it’s crossed.  You begin to feel tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed out all of the time. Consider these strategies for properly managing your schedule:

• Get organized.  Schedule what you need to do on a calendar and stick with it.  This includes spending time with family, taking time off, and pursuing a hobby. 

• Set priorities.  Determine what is most important and how you will achieve the goals you have set for yourself.  For me, each day begins with a time of prayer and Bible reading.  That is a priority that I strive to practice on daily basis.  Consider also that if our relationships with family suffers then so does everything else.  Learn the value of nurturing our most vital relationships 

• Know your own limitations.  There are some pursuits that simply aren’t in the cards for us.  We do well to accept that.  However, there are worlds of opportunities that are well with within our grasp.  Learn to tell the difference between these areas. 

• Learn to say no.  We can spread ourselves so thin that not much is getting accomplished because we are so frazzled all of the time.  You are only one person.  If you already have a full and perhaps overloaded schedule then it’s okay to say no once in a while.  Don’t beat yourself up over it. 

Remember that you are a wonderfully unique individual with unlimited worth and potential.   

It’s going to be a great day!