Stop Running, Delete

A Life You Love
An Ezine for Today’s Busy Woman
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Delete

As we have been acknowledging the past few months, we all have way too many things to do. Often we say yes, when no is the best answer for us to give. We say yes because of feeling guilt or that we owe the person who asked us.

There are only a few good reasons to say yes.
• It meets a need (besides pleasing others) so I am now saying It meets our need.
• It is in alignment with our goals.
• It is in alignment with our values.

Now here is the sticky part. Since we are just beginning this path, we are clearing out time so we can better get to know ourselves. Therefore, we have yet to define our core needs and values. Well, that is okay. For now, we will say yes for our recognized needs and values. We also acknowledge that our needs and values will change in time, and everything has a season.

Here is a better answer, understanding the gift of ‘no’. We often say yes out of guilt, wanting to please, feeling pressured by family or friends, or feel obligated in some other way. We also say yes half-heartedly, and feel that if we say no we are taking something away from the person who asked. In reality, the person we say no to is not worse off than before they contacted us. They are simply just where they were the moment before. The truth is that if we say yes we often are cheating the asker of finding someone who really wants the job and is better suited for the position. We have cheated them out of a wonderful opportunity. So say ‘no’. Say it freely. Say it often. ‘No’ is a gift from the heart, (Unless you say it to me, of course!).

The trick to deleting those unwanted and unnecessary tasks from your list(s) is to use the criteria above, and check it twice. Remove everything you possibly can. Don’t forget that we already went over delegation, and that tool is still available. The following are some hints to deleting those items off your list, in case you need extra support:
• Eliminate all volunteer duties that do not fall directly in line with your values.
• Take mail directly to recycling bin, eliminate the junk right away.
• When you open the mail take action, handle it only once.
• Pay bills when they come in.
• When you pay the bills, make the proper notations on records and file them right away.
• File as needed; do not let it pile up.
• Delete, file or take action on email so it does not build up.
• If someone needs an immediate ‘yes’ before I can think about it or have all the facts, it is an automatic ‘no’.
• Delegate tasks you detest.
• Return messages daily. Be proactive rather than reactive to the phone.
• Notate receipts daily.
• Enter ATM and checking transactions as you make them, into your check register.
• Do not make promises that cannot be kept (or are hard to keep).
• Have a regular time to start the workday.
• Have a regular time to end the workday.
• Rarely work on weekends and holidays.
• Do not have emergencies in your work life.
• The children have a regular bedtime.
• The children have daily routines, so they know what to expect.
• Shop online and have items delivered.
• Use an errand running service.
• Pay off the bills. This eliminates paperwork and filing.
• Have appliances, electronics, home items, etc., serviced regularly to avoid problems and time spent in unscheduled repairs, not to mention waiting the four-hour blocks of time.
• Do not waste time with unnecessary drama.

Some of these things may not seem like deleting items at first, but if you look at the ways they save you time, energy and money, it becomes apparent. When looking at your list(s) be tough. You might be surprised how much you really can delete. Notice that some of the items are small systems. Having systems in place that work is another way of saving time.

Warmly,
Margaret

Why settle for less? Live the Life You Love!
Margaret Briem, Life, Personal and Business Coach
(877) 300-7282
www.livethelifeyoulove.com
margaret@livethelifeyoulove.com
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