Episode 1 Exploring Life and Work with Patti (Podcast)
In this podcast episode, I will discuss – How to Stop Ignoring the Hard Stuff and Go from Chaos to Calm.
Click to listen to Episode 1 – How to Stop Ignoring the Hard Stuff and Go from Chaos to Calm
Have you ever had something to do at work, and you didn’t want to do it?
There are things as a manager or supervisor you don’t want to do, but it is an essential part of the job. You know what I mean, and not addressing it can cause more havoc in the workplace.
Let me give you some examples:
- Not having crucial conversations with an employee about poor performance
- Prolonging a discussion with the team about not making goals
- An email you are told to write by your boss
- Calling back an angry customer or client
- Not participating or wanting to go to mandatory leadership meetings
- Delivering bad news, for example, no bonus, no raises, or possible layoffs within the company
I am sure all of us at one time or another has put something off that might be uncomfortable or didn’t want to do but was loading us down with it continually there, whether in worry, thought, or others depending on it.
Wouldn’t it make life and work more enjoyable if it was no longer in front of us but completed?
Getting it completed takes off a heavy burden, and then you can focus on the other things you want to do.
One of the ways to tackle the hard stuff is to do it first thing in the morning and get it out of the way. If it is a massive project, break it down into tasks. Then, as you complete a portion of the project, you will feel like you are moving forward on getting it done. Checking that section off your to-do list, spreadsheet, or Trello board feels like an achievement and inspiration.
Putting off the hard stuff or undesirable tasks doesn’t contribute to becoming successful. However, once finished, you can move on to more enjoyable tasks and have a great sense of accomplishment.
How to Break Free of Ignoring the Hard Stuff:
- Identify it is happening and
- Recognize it and decide to
- Focus on the task until completed
- Celebrate when finished
Take control of all distractions such as responding immediately to email notifications, incoming voice mail messages, texts, instant messages, social media notifications. Set specific times and limits for these activities. Block off your calendar for the task. Concentrate by tuning out or turning off all distractions and commit to that particular task.
If working in the office, let others know you are working on something with a deadline or need to finish with no distractions if they could wait on questions. By blocking the time on your digital calendar can help with limiting distractions.
Halt any negative self-talk and replace these thoughts with positive Affirmations. An example – I get things done! By telling yourself, I can do this, and pray for strength to continue and remove all obstacles in the way; it will inspire you to keep going. There were many times I would be sitting at my desk and thinking I can’t do this, and I would pray, journal, and recite positive affirmations to get me through the task, situation, or sh*t storm happening around me.
Envision how you will feel after completing the project. Then, celebrate; it doesn’t have to be something big or expensive. It could be getting a cup of your favorite coffee or taking a break to read a good book, something special to you that feels like a reward.
Sometimes getting started is the hardest, but the rewards are endless. Setting your goal, coming up with a plan of action, and the most important thing is putting the plan into action. Getting started and motivated to take action steps is crucial to change the habit of ignoring the hard stuff. However, it doesn’t help you attain your goal or dream until you get it done. To get what you want, you have to pursue it, and it starts with motivation to want to get things done.
Here are some Self Reflections to ponder:
What are some key factors which are enabling you to put off the hard stuff?
What have you been putting off?
How will it change your circumstances by getting them completed?
Today’s podcast Affirmation is I get things done!
Until next time!
Coffee with Patti – is a beautiful way to express your appreciation and support.
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