"HELP! My life is running me, and I'm no longer running my life."
Desperate words spoken to my husband on Thursday night.
I have goals in my head that I want to accomplish, but somehow, I'm muddling through life busily accomplishing none of them. My biggest challenge is being a type "B" personality. I HATE lists, and have been fighting the idea of living life by a list for many years now.
First things first, I gave my husband permission to "solve" my problems because he knows that often times I just want a sympathetic word of encouragement. Next, I resolved to do whatever he suggested.
Why? Because he is a type "A" who has successfully run his own business for many years now. I knew he had the answers, but I knew I'd have to adjust them to fit a type "B" more comfortably.
"30, 60, 90," He said.
"What does that mean?" I questioned.
"You have to have direction, Sonya, and knowing what you need to accomplish over the next 30, 60, and 90 days is the key to taking back your life."
I quietly pulled out a notebook and began to write down everything I could think of that needed to be completed by the end of summer. Then I either wrote 30, 60, or 90 beside each one to help me prioritize them.
Looking over my arduous list, I developed a knot in my gut and thought I might throw up! How will I ever get it all done? I wondered.
Next, my husband showed me how to break down each project into measurable steps which I could transfer to my actual planner. (Yes, I do have a planner - just never used it like this before.)
Then, in an unexpected twist, my husband gave me the golden nugget that I had been missing in the past. You see, I've tried making "lists" on several occasions, but as soon as an emergency visit to the Doctor would arise I would abandon my list - the end.
Here's the nugget:
"Now prioritize each day's goals so you know which are the top three areas of importance. When an interruption comes in your day you will go back to your list and replace something of a lower priority with one of the top three. This should help you ensure completion of the most important things. The ones that had to be neglected for the moment can be re-scheduled for another day or time."
Tim had graciously given me the key to success. As a type "B" I had never understood how to handle the unexpected interruptions when it came to my list. Now, I believe that I am armed with the tools I need to accomplish much this summer.
If your life has been running you lately, I hope this article will be the nugget you've been looking for to help you take back your life, too.
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