I don’t know about you, but I can schedule the kids’ doctor appointments, call about my husband’s car, and send out bills for my mom in a matter of a few minutes. I know about multitasking and getting things done. My business needs a slew of calls returned and a meeting scheduled between two busy professionals who require several call backs—Done.
But who called to make MY eye exam appointment or get MY oil changed? Not me! Ugh…..
When you think about your day and daily tasks, here are a few ways to fit in time for yourself so that you keep up and get more done.
Sticky Note Power
Ever hear of “out of sight, out of mind”? In today’s digital age, it’s easy to swipe left or close the browser, essentially removing your virtual reminder. But a piece of old fashioned paper will stick around (particularly a sticky note) and stare you in the face. I’m more likely to make the call if I can put the phone number next to me while I dial. Write out the numbers for your routine phone calls onto sticky notes and keep them in your planner. When you need to make that call, pop it onto the page for that day and put it back after the call gets made. You can easily move the reminder from day to day as well so when time permits, you are ready to go!
Make Lists
It’s one thing to use a cell phone to send us a reminder, but a real reminder comes from a memory-jolt about your to-do list. Create a real bookmark system in which you write out your to-do list and paperclip it to your daily planner. As you begin to work on your projects for the day, clip the list onto the papers you’re working on. The process of moving the clip and seeing the reminder creates a pause in your work routine during which you can act on the list. As the list gets smaller, you can also transfer the items to sticky notes and put them on days in your planner. You’ll never forget a thing!
Schedule Self Care
Assigning a time to your self-care matters just as much as scheduling the next call. Use your planner’s time schedule for yourself along with the rest of your daily tasks. If you have to meet with the team at 11:30 am, then write down your doctor’s number at 11:15 am so that you will designate an actual time to get the call done for yourself.
The problem with leaving yourself last and is that you begin to break down. No updated glasses prescription leads to squinting, leading to headaches and less of a desire to run at full speed. It catches up. Plan to put yourself first.
Jennifer