I despise to paint, yet I love the finished look. Honestly, once I get started it is not so bad. But staring at the paint chips taped on the wall is a constant reminder that I have started the painting project in my kitchen. It stresses me out to even look at the paint chips! I have wanted several times to just tear them off the wall and forget the idea even existed. But then I look at the color of the walls currently, think of how nice it will look when it is done and... well, the paint strips are still there.
Take time in the next two days to list all of your stressors – big ones and small ones. Choose three items on the list and decide how you can minimize the stress itself or minimize the affect it has on you.
For instance, if carting kids and running errands is a stressor. Decide that you will:
organize the errands in a list
decide how long it will take you to do each one
organize them by location
map out a plan of attack
decide when you have time to do them all
check them off as you complete them
Find out who you can carpool with to kids practices, lessons, school, etc.
Another example; paying bills:
Buy a calendar just for your bills
Write the due date for each bill on the calendar
Write how much will be due
Circle pay days in your household
Manage your cash flow
Check off the bills as you pay them
Final example; deadlines at work – big project due:
On a dry erase board write the name of the project at the top
Write the deadline date at the bottom
Brainstorm all of the steps that will be necessary to complete the project
Write anyone’s name beside a step that will require their involvement
Create a plan for completion and communicate that plan to anyone else who is involved
Plan for set backs
Create mini-deadlines for each step
Check off each step as you accomplish it – do not erase, you need to see your progress
You will be amazed at how simply organizing your stressors on paper relieves some pressure instantly. Plan you work and work your plan.
