Photo by Chase Clark on Unsplash
October is here and with only three months of the year left this is my signal that it’s time to finish what I started if I’m to end the year on a high. This month, although I’ve been busy and doing a lot, I have felt quite scattered and my efforts seem to take me nowhere, or at least not as I would have liked. The clue is for me is in the words “busy” and “doing” when really, the question is, what progress am I making? Answer: usually not much. I can keep doing more of the same, even though it gets me no further or I can stop and refocus.
To refocus my efforts I ask myself:
- Where am I at/what is my progress so far?
- What have I been avoiding?
- What do I still need to do?
It’s too easy to get distracted by the busy-ness. Other distractions that go with this are:
- I’m tired.
- It’s late.
- I don’t have time now.
- But I promised….
- I drop the ball and have to play catch up.
- And then something becomes urgent and that’s what gets done.
I start to feel frustrated, impatient and annoyed, with everything in general, and with myself in particular. I find myself behind the eight ball and desperation kicks in as I try to get back on track. And just like that, I’m last on my priority list (again).
It sounds almost counter-intuitive to say “stop!” but that’s exactly what needs to happen.
- And breathe – several times, slowly, and deeply – repeat as often as needed and as many times as required.
- Step away from everything for just a little while; go to nature or a good book or movie or whatever it is for you that gets you away from everything.
- Catch up with friends.
- See the bigger perspective outside of your world of problems.
- Only then go back and review – your calendar, your finances, your environment & surroundings, and your to do list.
It’s usually about this time you’ll see that one thing you’ve been avoiding. (Breathe, it’s okay.) A new path will show itself – a path of peace and clarity and you’ll know what needs to be done next, even as you continue to make your excuses as to why you can’t. Be brave and take that next step, ask for that help, speak up about that concern. Avoidance be gone! Do it, get it done and see the progress. You’ll be so glad you did.
Have you strayed off track? Contact me to find out how partnering with a life coach can help you back on the path to success.