Today I have too many lists, and a short time window. I’m leaving work early to drive to my parents, and seeing a friend along the way.
And I can’t decide what to do next.
Why? Because I have to do the most important thing first. Or I have to synchronize my lists so I know what’s most important. Or I have to write on a new list more things that occurred to me that I could do today.
Thinking “Or…,” “Or…,” “Or…,” is a sign that I’m about to spiral.
Today I have a short time-window, and activities that aren’t part of my usual routine. So instead of guilting myself for not being 100% productive before a road trip, I’m going to ask myself, “What can I reasonably get done in this amount of time, when I have much less brain power than on an ordinary day?”
Try this for yourself. On a day when your routine isn’t normal, do not hold yourself to the same standard as a normal day. Maybe you have a doctor’s appointment, or the sitter cancelled, or the internet is down. Acknowledge that a break in your routine has a cost in your mind and motivation.
If you usually guilt and shame yourself, it can be hard to learn what “reasonable” is. While you’re building this muscle, why don’t you try picking the absolute simplest thing to do. If something easy is all you can add to a weird day, that’s ok.
Try One Thing:
FIND THE SMALLEST, SIMPLEST TASK TO DO BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS
Was today a weird schedule day? Did you realize your expectations were too high? Let me know in the comments below!
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