Have you ever had one of those weeks (or maybe months) where you’re just off your game? #askingforafriend
Full disclosure here – I feel like I’ve been that way for a couple weeks. Maybe it’s Spring Fever brought on by the beautiful weather, or it’s March Madness carrying over into April, or the fact that my husband’s schedule is a lot less hectic and we’ve been working in the yard a lot. Whatever it is, I want to get my groove back.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been fully present for the meetings and programs that I’d committed to, but I haven’t been making progress on my other long-term projects, (can you say writing my book and revamping my brand?)
Maybe you’re going through an intensely challenging time due to layoffs, stress, or increased workload. Or, like so many of my friends, maybe you’re dealing with aging parents or even taking care of little ones.
If you’re feeling samey same – about being off your game for whatever reason –
Here are some practices that have helped me get back on track.
Hit reboot. Acknowledge that you’ve been distracted, but don’t dwell on it. Then make the conscious decision to reboot and reset. I tell myself “Enough of that!” and move forward. Regret and self-flagellation help no one.
Set yourself up for success. Author and self-help guru Louise Hay said
“How you start your day is how you live your day. How you live your day is how you live your life.”
Wake up even just a leeetle bit earlier to get your head screwed on straight. Set your intention for the day and spend a few minutes in meditation, prayer, or a spiritual practice. Read something inspiring or uplifting and/or create a journaling practice. Do whatever works best for you to start your day with intentionality and a positive perspective.
Self-care is not selfish. This is not the time to burn the midnight oil. Get enough sleep, eat right, exercise, and block some time for activities that recharge your batteries and bring you joy. For me, that’s getting out in nature and also playing with my grandbabies. (Note, it’s also awesome to be able to hand said grandbabies back when they start having meltdowns and stop bringing me joy. Just sayin’.)
Be real. When planning tomorrow’s schedule, (wait, you ARE planning tomorrow’s schedule today, right?) be realistic. Bake in some white space – a buffer zone, if you will – between meetings and commitments. For one thing, you have to allow time for body breaks, (bathroom, food, water, stretching, brain breaks, etc.). But you also need to allow for unexpected people and situations that could hijack your oh-so-tightly-packed schedule. Give yourself a few extra minutes when driving to an event to allow for traffic. I say all of this from personal experience – you will reduce your stress level if you just keep it real when scheduling.
Watch your mouth. Many years ago, my brother gave me a framed print of Yoda (from Star Wars) with the quote:
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
While I’ve never been a big Star Wars fan (don’t hate on me, it’s just not my thang), I do love that quote. Your words matter. If it’s really important, don’t say I’ll try to make the time. And if you’re going around saying things like, “I’m so overwhelmed,” and “I’ve got soooo much to do!” you’re just heaping more stress and hopelessness on yourself. And when stress is up, creative problem solving is down.
I know people who often say, “I’m fixin’ to do ______” Or maybe that’s just a thing here in south Louisiana, but you get my point. Those are weak, uncertain, uncommitted words. Replace them with “I can, I will, I am, I do.” Put some power, conviction, and commitment behind your words. And then adopt the Nike slogan and Just do it!
Now, let me add a caveat to this. As my mama would say, when you’re going through hail, keep going. In life, there will be tough seasons – there’s no getting around it. In those times, I encourage you to keep the faith, prioritize like a maniac, and remember that this, too, shall pass.
These are just a few of the tactics that I’ve found work for me and for my clients. I’d love to hear what you do to get back on track, to get your game on, and to stop the madness. Hit reply to this email and share your best tips.
And if you’d like a guide on the side to help re-energize you or your team, let’s talk! Schedule your complimentary discovery call with me today.
You might also like:
The Best-Kept Secret of High Performing Teams
Lead Yourself and Your Team Out of the Land of Stuck
Jennifer Ledet, CSP, is a leadership consultant and professional speaker (with a hint of Cajun flavor) who equips leaders from the boardroom to the mailroom to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication. In her customized programs, leadership retreats, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions, she guides leaders to live and lead by choice, not chance.
