It’s time to talk about how to survive a busy season.
I sat down at my computer this morning, tweaked a few items on my website and caught up on a few emails. Then, it hit me…this is the first leisurely moment I’ve had to focus on anything besides the immediate in over two weeks! I am living through a particularly busy season of my life right now.
Life has been a whirlwind. Currently, I’m…
OK, so I’m pretty busy right now, but that doesn’t change the reality of my situation one bit. The tickets have been purchased and we will board the plane in a week.
Some people thrive on a busy schedule and others are paralyzed by it. The key to surviving a busy season is doing what you can, when you can and as best you can until the season passes.
Sometimes, you can end up with so much to do that you have no idea where to start. When this occurs, I like to take the outside-in approach. Think ahead to activities that still need to be done when a big event occurs. For example, I know that I will want to focus fully on my daughter’s grad activities, so I am planning ahead to have nothing else to do on those days.
Several months ahead, start doing small tasks or organizing items that don’t really affect your day-to-day life, but will eventually need to be done. Basically, you are working outside-in. That way, when the busiest time approaches, you have more time and energy to conquer the huge, essential tasks.
Procrastination is never the busy girl’s friend. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked around the house just looking to see if there is anything else I can box up before the eventual move. The little things can pile up to become a big headache.
Plan ahead, plan way ahead! When you know you are entering the perfect storm of busyness, do things ahead of time.
Then, when the busy season hits, make sure to make the most of idle opportunities.
Some activities demand perfection and some don’t. If you are entering a particularly busy season professionally, give yourself some slack at home. Maybe you’ll need to eat bagged salad and hamburger patties for a few days until a project is completed.
Just remember, that people are always more important than projects, but quantity does not always equal quality. Years from now you may not remember a thing about the office presentations you gave, but you’ll live on memories.
The key is to plan in relational time when you can fully focus on those you love. They will prefer shorter periods when they get all of you to frequent attempts when you are trying to multi-task them in with five other things.
People ask me, “How are you handling all of this at the same time?” My answer is, “one step at a time.” I’m not a super hero, but I am realistic…I plan ahead and I give myself the grace to take a break when I feel on the brink of emotional drain.
How about you? I would love for you to offer your tips for dealing with a busy season in the comment section below.
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4 Comments
I had like to add that in addition to doing the best you can, you may also have to apply the 80/20 principle and avoid doing some things altogether.
Good point, Jane!
Hang in there, Shellie. This is indeed a busy season for you….and an emotional one with all the changes. You are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. You give great advice for busy times in our lives!!
Thanks Debbie…I really appreciate your prayers.