You've Got Too Many Things On Your Plate!

[Clare Luffman]

#1: Create a Compelling Vision
(the first of the 10 Essential Success Practices)

*(Click here to listen to this e-mail as an audio message)

Do you ever feel like you're running around like a chicken with your head cut off?  Do you feel like you're being pulled in all different directions?  Do you feel like you take on too much?

Here's the reality.....  You can't get it all done.  It's just not possible, Benjamin.

There's no way to do EVERYTHING and to be all things to all people.  There's simply not enough hours and energy in the day.  I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news! :)

But this isn't a bad thing at all actually.  Not at all!  When we come to grips with the fact that we can't do everything.....but that instead, we can pick what's most important to us, and do those things incredibly well, we can feel really good about that.  And we'll be so much further ahead....by doing less!

And please know that if you're feeling overwhelmed right now, you're not alone.  Many business women are like "Overwhelmed Olivia."  She wants to be the best wife, mom and business woman that she possibly can be.  She has high expectations for herself, so she carries around a lot of guilt because she feels like she's not measuring up.  She has so much on her plate and she's trying so hard, but she feels like she isn't doing anything exceptionally well.

First, I'd love to just give Olivia a big 'ole hug and to tell her to give herself some grace.  Actually, I'd tell her to give herself lots of grace!

And I'd show her a different way to look at things.  Instead of putting so much on her plate, I'd work with her on taking things off her plate.  I'd ask her what's most important in her life.  I'd find out how she'd describe a great year -- where she'd feel proud of herself; where she'd feel renewed and peaceful; where she'd feel excited and joyful.

I'd ask her to just focus on those things for the next year.  Just the things that are important to her.  I'd ask her to use this question as a guide throughout the year: "Is this activity getting me a step closer to my definition of a successful year?"

Your Year's Success Vision

Over the last couple of weeks, we've been taking about your 2013 success vision (i.e. your definition of a successful year, in your business and in your life) and ways to keep that vision front and center throughout the year (i.e. through ways such as a "hit the pillow" vision.)

Through creating your vision, you're identifying the things which are most important to you with regards to your business, professional development, health, your family and your relationships, your volunteer time, etc.  So let's be laser-focused on what's most important to you and get really good at those things.

So instead of feeling like you have so much on your plate, where you can't do any of it exceptionally well....instead focus only on what's most important to you, and do those to the best of your ability.

Yes or No?

Since my success vision is different and updated each year, there may be one year where I say "Yes" to join a women's bunco or book club, and other years where I'll comfortably say "No."

There will be some years when I'll be very involved volunteering in my son's school, and other years where I won't.

There will be some years where I'll say "Yes" to particular business development classes (i.e. Facebook, SEO, Google+, blogging) and there will be some years where I'll so "No."

The Key!

The key to success is not to work MORE and be involved in MORE things.  Instead, it's to simplify, streamline and to have laser focus.

So here's to a successful, peaceful, focused year....where you're proud of who you are and who you're becoming! :)

Cheering you on,
Clare ~ Accountability Coach
www.SixFigureSuccessHabits.com

Giving a friendly kick-in-the-skirt to keep you encouraged and on task…

[Clare Luffman]

Thanks, Donna!  I use www.audioacrobat.com to record my audio messages.  It's a great system!

[Donna Doss]

Q: How did you make this into a a voice email?

[Donna Doss]

Hello Clare,

This was very well done and makes practical and strategical good common sense!  You are absolutely right. I am acting on prioritizing as I type this "thank you for your words of wisdom," post to you. 

Thank you for encouraging us to be OK with not being able to do all things in one season. "No," can sometimes be the most wonderful word in the world when used with a heart of pure intentions.

Blessings!

Donna