Your Career is More Than A To-Do List
by Deborah Brown-Volkman, contributing columnist

How many items do you have on your to-do list? Does it empower you to look at your list, or are you drained before you even start your day?

A to-do list can help you get organized and focused. But, ask yourself this: Are you controlling your to-do list or is your to-do controlling you?

If you are controlled by your to-do list, and your sanity depends on the number of items you check off your list, then it may no longer be a useful tool anymore. Instead, it may be a source of stress and frustration, and it is probably standing in the way of you achieving what you want in your career.

Career wise, this has been a very tough time for many of us. We are either trying to recover from the shock of being let go from careers we gave years of loyal service to, or are screaming for help because we are overworked and overburdened with the amount of time and energy is takes to do the work of the people who are no
longer there.

We are busier than ever. It's not enough to have huge day-to-day responsibilities, but we also have our career dreams to contend with.

So, How Can We Fit It All In? Follow The Following Steps Below.

1. Recognize That You Are Already Accomplishing A Lot

You are probably accomplishing more than you give
yourself credit for. If you are evaluating your career
and taking steps towards moving forward, then you are
ahead of most people. Write down three things you have
done in your career that you are proud of. Pretty
amazing isn't it? Congratulate yourself for your
effort. Don't let a few unfinished items spoil all
of your accomplishments.

2. Acknowledge That Your List Is Too Long

Satisfaction and fulfillment in your career occur when
you are making a difference, not when you are checking
items off a list. It's your experiences and
interactions with people that you'll remember, not the
items on a list you didn't take care of. Tell the
truth; your to-do list is too long. Pretending that it
isn't, or that you have it all handled will not shorten
your list. You will feel much better when the truth is
out in the open.

3. Prioritize & Plan

You can only do so many tasks at one time, so it
makes sense to focus on what is really required.
Every morning, write down your top three priorities.
Be realistic. Doing this exercise will force to look
at what's truly important vs. what you are telling
yourself that you SHOULD get done. Make the time in
your day to complete your priorities. Then, you can
get to some of the other items only if there is time.
Be careful. You can easily fall back into the trap of
giving every item the same importance. You can beat a
long to-do list, but only if you stand strong and stick
to a system.

4. Delegate or Eliminate

After you have prioritized, what remaining items can
be given to someone else or removed from your list
entirely? This will be tricky. You will have to be
creative and come up with good reasons why you are no
longer the right person to perform these tasks. If you
are working, will you be more productive at your job or
save your company money if you eliminate some to-do's
from your list? If you are searching for a job, will
you be able to send out more resumes or go to
additional networking meetings if your family takes
over some of your household responsibilities? If you
want to delegate some of the items from your list, tell
your company or the people in your life what is in it
for them if they help you out.

5. Take A Break

You cannot conquer your to-do list unless you are
refreshed. Take breaks during the day. Spend some time
reading, exercising, or catching up with a friend. Get
your mind away from the list of what you have to do.
Bring some fun into your day. You will be amazed at
the shift in your perspective and ability to handle
your list when you incorporate some of these simple
practices.

6. Become The Solution

Do you expect to be able do it all? Why are you putting
so much pressure on yourself? Yes, your career is
important, but so is finding a solution. Instead of
finding fault or blaming yourself for having some type
of to-do list deficiency, come up with strategies to
solve the problem. What processes can you implement to
help things run smoother? Finding a solution will not
only energize you, it will give you a sense of power
and control over your list.

7. Get A Coach

No one should tackle career issues alone. And,
shortening your to-do list may not be something that
comes easily at first. Why not get a coach to help
you? There are people out there who want to assist
you. All you have to do is ask.

So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be one you love!

 

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Deborah Brown is a noted Career and Mentor Coach that shows Entrepreneurs, Executives, Professionals, and Coaches how to transition into careers they love, excel in the careers they have now, start their own businesses, and find time for themselves. She is the author of the "21-Day Career Empowerment" program. This 21-day e-mail program gives participants the insight, clarity, and knowledge to either choose their current position or their next career To Learn More Visit: http://www.surpassyourdreams.com , send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com or call (516) 432-2440.