Think
Bite Size Pieces!

"Compartmentalizing Your Life"

"So much to do, so little time." My husband and I often think that way. In fact, we find ourselves either doing, or thinking about doing, some task or goal most of our waking hours. We have chosen a lifestyle that demands much of our time and energy. We are often controlled by that lifestyle, rather than controlling it.

Most days we thrive in that atmosphere; however, some days we are imprisoned by it as we find ourselves out of balance and out of sorts.

How can we achieve the tasks and goals in a manner that does not swallow us up? I have found that compartmentalizing my responsibilities is helpful.

1. Make a decision about what tasks need to be accomplished and which ones do not.
2. Eliminate the "I shoulds" and replace with the "I wills."
3. Create a list of the "to do's." Categorize the tasks as "must be done now," "should be done soon," and "it would be nice to get this done."
4. Decide which job you will tackle first.
5. Compartmentalize the tasks of the project that you will be tackling.
6. Commit to spending a designated period of time, 30 or 60 minutes, on one task.
7. For that period of time, work as though you were under a very pressing deadline, putting all of your energy and focus into the task.
8. Use a kitchen timer to alert you when the time has ended.
9. Stop when the timer rings, even if you feel like continuing on. Why? Because one reason we do not tackle big (or even small) projects is because we are sure that it will take too much time right then. If we continue working, we will find that our prediction has come true. However, for 30 to 60 minutes, we can take time out of other civilities to begin to attack this project.
10. Pat yourself on the back for staying on task and take notice of what you accomplished.
11. Reward yourself for the accomplishment.

Affirmation for the Week:
“I can accomplish a project of any size when I break it down into bite size pieces. I will commit 30 to 60 minutes to tackling each task and following through on that commitment.”
 
 
Have a compartmentalized week!

Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2008 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
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