Gain Control of your Life with One Easy-to-Implement Tool

Last year I started working with a therapist for a few short months, and she was able to provide me with different perspectives and useful tools to implement into my daily routine to help better manage the feelings of being overwhelmed. One tool in particular that was shared with me that I continue to use regularly has helped me tremendously. The wheels in my mind are constantly turning and it seems as if the to-do list is never a blank page. Between being a mother, a wife, a homeowner, plus working part-time for an employer it feels as if something is always requiring my attention.

The one easy-to-implement tool that gave me a sense of control within my life is, having one daily to-do list that has a maximum of five items. Each morning write your list and check the tasks off as the day continues on. We so often try to overdo it and complete as much as we can with the mind frame that everything needs to be completed right now before I am able to take a break. Continuing with this pre-conceived notion that everything must be done "now" will only lead to extreme exhaustion and burnout.

For me, most mornings are me climbing out of bed and instantly jumping into go mode. The need to check off tasks outweighs the need of allowing myself a few moments to fully wake and prepare myself for the day. Now I am able to wake up and complete a little morning routine ending in an evaluation of where I am physically and mentally using this as a guide to base what I am actually going to be capable of accomplishing for the day. What I assess here will be the ultimate factor of what gets entered into my maximum of five daily tasks. “But, the bathroom needs a good scrubbing, the dishes and laundry need tending, the floors need to be mopped ...." are the thoughts that cross my mind as it enters a downward spiral of what "needs" to be done during the span of the next 12 hours. My energy levels and the prioritization of tasks will be the ultimate factor on what gets entered onto my list. Some days I decide it's best to not overextend my battery and save energy-consuming tasks for another day.

Every day looks different because every day is different and that's okay. Somedays I have 5 big tasks and others I have non-productive items such as drinking water or reminders to myself to just breathe. Sometimes, I also throw in a positive affirmation because I recognize I require a bit more than my responsibilities at hand. Also, some days the tasks are quite simple, and I am able to check everything off earlier in the day, leaving me with the power of choice. I get to decide if I want to fit in more tasks or take a chill pill and just go with the flow for the remainder of the day. The power of choice is a beautiful thing.

"There is so much power in being able to make your own decisions in life, vs the feeling of being weighed down by life making these choices for you."

The most important thing to take into consideration is that check in with yourself as this will be the ultimate factor on preventing burnout by recognizing what you are capable of carrying out for the day. Once the point of burnout has been reached it feels so much harder to carry-on, the suffocation becomes too real, and you may feel as if you have nothing else to give. That doesn't sound like a pleasant way to live. The best practice is to avoid this state overall by allowing yourself periods of rest. It is understandable that life can and will get the best of us, and we can find ourselves within this tunnel trying to dig ourselves out from the constant motion forward. All you can do is give yourself the grace, time, and space to rest and recuperate so that way you can continue to keep putting your best foot forward. Also, motivation becomes a big factor here, don't let the lack of motivation keep you from living your best life!

This one simple tool has helped me gain a sense of control in my life, allowing me to feel as if all the moving parts can be more manageable. In addition, it has helped me navigate giving up control and going with the flow, as there have been times when other situations arise throughout the day that require prioritization over what I have already entered on my list. 

By sharing my experiences and this one easy-to-implement tool to help gain a sense of control over your life, I am hoping to shed a little light as you navigate along your journey.

Until the next session my friends,

xoxo,

Brandy