Never, Later, Now
I’m too busy to take on a new project.
I don’t want to bother them. They’re so busy.
You look busy, but…
I don’t know how we’re going to take on another thing. We’re so busy!
The United States celebrated Labor Day this past weekend, which is often considered the unofficial end of summer and start of fall. As the days get shorter and the temperatures get cooler (at least here in Colorado), I hear more and more people talk about how busy they are.
Kids are back in school, which means after-school and weekend activities are resuming and homework needs to get done.
We’re starting to think about the last quarter of the calendar year, and all the things that need to be accomplished before the holidays set in and the year closes, both personally and professionally.
Companies with fiscal years coming to a close are starting to plan and budget for the new year.
We’re all just adding things to our to-do list this fall - more projects, more activities, more deadlines, more expectations. This is even happening with our wardrobes, as we start to break out jackets, hats, and boots to add layers of warmth as the temperatures begin to drop.
It seems inevitable. It’s a busy season. Of course we’re busy.
But is it really inevitable to be busy?
What do we really mean when we say we’re too busy?
It means that we have too many priorities, too many things we’re trying to get done. We’re not giving ourselves the buffer room to take care of the unexpected, or sometimes ourselves. We’re stretched too thin, taking on too much, not able to deliver the quality results we want because we don’t have the time or mental space to give things our full attention.
So what can we do about it?
While it may make sense to add on a jacket when the days get shorter, just adding things to our to-do list usually doesn’t.
Instead, start with an evaluation of the things you already have on your plate, and then carefully scrutinize the things you’re considering adding. Three categories you might consider are:
Do Never
These are the things you can just take off your list completely. They don’t need to get done, or at least they don’t need to be done by you. Find as much as you can in this category first, as it will make the rest much less daunting.
Can you buy treats for your child’s classroom instead of baking cookies from scratch? Or not write the whitepaper that no one is really asking for?
Do Later (maybe)
These are the things you can postpone, possibly indefinitely. Perhaps they’re not a priority for this season but will be later, or things you’re not ready to say never to but you know don’t need to be done now.
Perhaps there’s a project queued up for your team - can it be postponed until after next year’s budget is finalized? Can you wait on repainting the bathroom until after you’ve finalized that big contract?
Do Now
These are the priorities - the things you want or need to take on during this season. Approach them with intention and focus so that you can get the results you’re after.
Coaching your child’s sports team? Clear out your calendar to get to practice early so you can shake off the day and focus on the kids. Giving a big presentation? Schedule time for multiple run throughs so you share your perspective with confidence.
While it may be inevitable that your “could do” list continues to grow, you can decide what’s on your to-do list.
What will keep you busy this fall?
As you think about what’s keeping you busy, you probably realize there’s opportunity to explore this further. Want some help? Book your free strategy session and let’s dig in.
How will you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
September 5, 2024
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
