Hate Getting Blindsided?
Feels out of sync?
You know, like - missing deadlines, tired in the morning, strained relationships, etc.
I've been there, and so have you.
Juggling is hard. Work, relationships, ambitions, hobbies, health. Balancing all the time.
There is this thing that no one loves - getting blindsided by something that (appeared to) come out of nowhere.
But you know what? It did not.
It happened because some things were ignored (see those opening lines? Notice them- ASAP. Yours may be something else that's not listed up there. Try to enlist what doesn't feel correct for YOU).
No! That waistline did not expand 3 inches by itself. Don't act surprised if those pants don't fit anymore.
Some things were ignored. For a while.
The key to avoiding getting blindsided - notice those ominous signs. Early.
How?
End the day with self-reflection. Read that again. SELF REFLECTION.
No. I don't want you to be a monk. I promise.
No meditation. No eyes closed or deep breaths (it's not a bad idea, though).
Anyway...grab a pen and a notebook (or your iPad, Tab, or whatever). Write the following questions. Save it.
- What did I say I was going to do? (tip: make a to-do list at the start of your day. It will be a lifesaver)
- What did I actually do? ( reveals what's important and where your time is spent?).
- What am I proud of? (very helpful for your confidence - trust me)
- What example did I set / What did I learn from others? (shoots your self-esteem to the moon).
- Anything I would do differently (or may just not do at all)? (careful, this might be painful - hard to confess I was wrong, you see).
Spend 5 minutes on those before you end your day.
Do it while you're in bed - it's much better than scrolling through LinkedIn at 11 PM stalking your prospect, who will ghost you after you send them your best proposal. Believe me.
Next time you're fatigued - you will notice (as) you answer those questions.
Then what? Perhaps take a week off. Recharge. Hit that treadmill and get those pants on (again).
It will surely help avoid most of those dreaded events that (appear to) come out of nowhere.
Don't let that waistline turn into a heart attack.
Side effects: It may help you change habits (that you silently hate but indulge in leisurely).
Disclaimer: I can barely come up with brilliant ideas like these. I borrowed this from the book: Your 168 by Harry Kraemer.
Give it a read.
It's worth it!