What NOT to Do When You Fall Behind
Starting work after the holiday season can be very stressful. The backlog of tasks feels insurmountable and following the usual work rhythm seems like a distant dream. You probably have a number of ways to get back on track that work for you. So, do more of what works and avoid actions that don’t work so well, like those below.
Four Actions to Avoid When You Fall Behind
Don’t compare yourself to other business owners
When you look at your business and how it’s performing compared to someone else’s, it’s easy to play the comparison game and think that everything would be better if your business were set up like hers. Instead of falling down that rabbit hole, focus on what you can control, like how you can improve your daily routines or how you can set up systems that reflect your unique business needs. When you focus on what you can control instead of playing the comparison game, you can get back on track in a way that feels natural for you.
Don’t feel guilty
It can be very easy to start blaming yourself, the flaws you think you have, or your lack of willpower when you get behind. Feeling guilty is neither entertaining nor productive, so instead gently remind yourself that you’re human and it’s normal to get off track once in awhile. Besides, you need to take time off from time to time! When you get overwhelmed and off course, use that as time to reflect and course-correct. By using your energy to reflect instead of wasting it on feelings of guilt, you open up possibilities to optimize your routines to make them better serve you.
Don’t work longer hours
As your to-do list starts bursting at its seams, working harder can seem like the only solution. Trust me, I’m guilty of that kind of thinking, too. However, working more is not a way to get more stuff done. While working harder can feel like a no-brainer solution when you find yourself really far behind, it actually impairs you from making meaningful progress. Instead of working harder, take a moment to evaluate what your true priorities are, choose the most vital ones, and start taking steps toward those. Just make sure that if you need to move deadlines, you notify people who might be affected.
Don’t give up on systems
When you can see the mountain of things you should be doing, it can feel pretty defeating, which may lead you to giving up on systems entirely. However, creating systems doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at what makes your business unique and what comes naturally to you and develop your own natural systems out of that. You don’t need to make yourself into a new person or torture yourself by following structures that feel unnatural. Instead, focus on what makes your business work. Focus on what makes your business unique. Relying on systems that reflect your personality and business model will not only allow you to get back on track faster, but also have fun doing it.
Back to You
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