Getting In Control
by Eileen McDargh
In a world where "too much to do and too little time"
is a common mantra, there's a sense that everyone and everything
has more control over our day than we do. While we might be at the
beck and call of clients, there are still areas where the culprit
is none other than ourselves. Using the word "control"
as an acronym, let me suggest ways in which we can begin to gain
some relief from self-induced pressure.
Can the clutter. Do you walk into your office and instantly
feel a sense that you could get buried in all that mess? Papers
are piled on the desk, on the floor, and in tiered boxes. Note that
if this is your natural style of organization, you'd feel pressure
by having items out of sight! But if you're like a great majority
of people, clutter only adds to the time spent in finding what you
need. Do you use everything that you have on display? Can you find
items when you need them? If you've answered "no," proceed
to the next recommendation.
Out with excess paper. Examine what surrounds you. What can
you throw out, give out, leave out? If you are months behind in
journals and other publications, scan the table of contents and
keep only those items which you KNOW you'll need. Throw the rest
away.
No, not, never, not now. Say it. Practice it. We frequently
nod our heads "yes" like a wind-up toy because of guilt,
fear, or a sense that obligation. Ask yourself, why do you say "yes".
Perhaps even a "not now" would suffice. I am convinced
that if we do not put limits on our time, it will vanish with our
unknowing permission.
Talk up. To curtail long conversations or meeting, learn
these sentences. "I would like to be able to talk with you
but I have another engagement. Can you please tell me your request
(situation, concern, etc.) in 25 words or less?" First, you
won't be lying with your opening statement. You will always have
another engagement - even if it's with the report in your computer.
Second, you have indicated a willingness to respond. You have merely
put a concise cast to the conversation. It's amazing how "25
words or less" can increase the speed and fluency of conversation.
As a variation on this theme, you can also curtail a drawn-out conversation
with this question: "How would you like this conversation to
end?"
Read only what matters. And what matters concerns your business,
your future, your soul.
Operate early. This can mean everything from getting up early
to doing things early. If you pack for a trip, don't wait until
the last minute. Prepare, in advance, your suitcase, your briefcase.
The only things that need to be added are last minute items. Create
artificial deadlines which are in advance of the true deadline.
You'll always feel more in control.
Lighten up. Perfect isn't always perfect. Look for and relish
the unexpected. There is serendipity when we allow ourselves to
surrender to events and times over which we have no control. The
weather-hold which keeps my plane grounded allows me to complete
a piece of writing I could not have finished. The shop which closes
just as soon as I approach the door lets me walk down the street
and find other stores which I had never noticed before.
Getting in control is ultimately about getting clear on our work
habits, our priorities, and our values.
If you are an overworked executive, an entrepreneur, a stressed-out
employee who knows there's more to life than receiving a paycheck,
then this book is for you.
Here is step-by-step supportive advice—based on the experience
of real people who have made advantageous career choices—that will
enable you to find and maintain a pro-active balance in your life
and occupation.
© Eileen McDargh, McDargh Communications. All rights reserved. You may reprint this article so long as it remains intact with the byline and if all links are made live.
Since 1980, Hall of Fame speaker Eileen McDargh has helped Fortune 100 companies as well as individuals create connections that count and conversations that matter. Her latest book is Gifts from the Mountain-Simple Truths for Life's Complexities. Her other books include Talk Ain't
Cheap...It's Priceless and Work for a Living and Still Be Free to Live, one of the first books to address the notion of balance and authentic work. A 59 year-old grandmother, she recently returned from climbing among the highest mountains in the world. Find out more about this compelling
and effective professional speaker and join her free newsletter by visiting http://www.EileenMcDargh.com.
McDargh
Communications
(949) 496-8640
Eileen@EileenMcDargh.com
www.EileenMcDargh.com
© 2008 McDargh Communications, All rights
reserved
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