This week, I tried the "slow down to do more" strategy. Limited my after-work commitments to two evenings. Started the week and each day with a few clear priorities. The strategy worked in the big picture; I still left on Friday with a few things I wish I could have finished.
The good things this week:
- I noticed that the marketing plan I wrote in January and then updated in April seems to be moving and still on-track for the year. Even I am surprised that the overall approach and priorities fit what I still see now as the business progresses. Feels good to create a plan and watch it develop. I need to stick to it.
- Strong progress on client project work, as needed on a deadline
- My colleague Sandra delivered a seminar on Friday for our Leadership & Learning Community lunch event that made me feel proud and grateful to be associated with such a professional. Plus we had a full group at the table after now four months of marketing.
- I'm testing out some ideas about the overlap between leadership development and internal communication that several of my contacts who I respect find interesting. I love a new idea that takes builds and grows through conversation!
- I finished my first book of the summer -- The Jane Austen Book Club, recommended to me by Helen who reads hundreds of books. Next up (and started): The Joy Luck Club (had not yet read it; didn't see the movie. Love it so far.)
The not-so-good:
- Just wish I had more patience for accounting, especially as I learn the Swiss rules. Closing the books on 2006 (due in June) took longer than I estimated and raised my stress level a little.
- Might have found one more day to jog, but that's just niggling really. Overall, I took care of my health this week. Even had enough sun for a light little tan to start showing.
Lesson Learned
On certain things you do the first time, like the accounting noted above, sometimes there is nothing to be done except slow down, learn the details and do the job right. The best way to relieve stress in those situations is to get realistic about what the job requires -- time and effort. And plan for it. My impatient nature will often try to bypass such reality. Yet, I felt much better after I put a more reasonable time schedule in place this week and stopped acting like it was someone's problem other than my own. Sometimes I ask myself when will I ever really learn?!?!????
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