In last week’s blog, I mentioned that increasingly I am seeing many examples of people feeling overwhelmed and juggling many different priorities, whilst still seeking to sustain high levels of performance and lead a balanced and happy life.

The overwhelmed feeling can prevent clients from starting new pursuits or fulfilling their true potential. They feel that they do not have sufficient time or mental capacity to take on anything new.

When my clients are contemplating starting a new project or pursuing a goal, I suggest that they spend some time considering what they can stop doing to create some space for some new habits and behaviours and provide some room for growth.

Gardeners will tell you that in order to see a beautiful display of roses you have to prune the rose bushes at the right time of year to clear away dead wood and promote new growth

Technology is amazing however it brings its challenges. It is said that the conscious brain can only handle 7 bits of information at any one time and that is a main reason why we can feel overloaded, distracted and lose focus and sight of our key priorities and what really matters to us.

Clients who have compiled a STOP doing lists tell me that it gives them greater clarity and helped to sharpen their focus. They say that It allows them to concentrate on their most important and rewarding activities. They report that it has a positive impact on their energy and motivation levels.

Clients complete lists for both their personal and professional lives.

Here are a few common examples of what clients choose to STOP doing at work:

• Using “ reply all” with e mail

• Checking social network sites

• Engaging in long email threads (they choose to pick up the phone or deal with issues face to face instead if it is possible)

• Turn off incoming e mail alerts/notifications

• Responding to email outside of designated time slots for checking and responding to mail

• Asking for and/or producing reports/management information that do not add value to performance

• Holding meetings with no agenda or clear objectives

• Doing recaps at meetings for late arrivals

• Saying yes too often to requests for help – putting others needs before their own

• Striving for perfection rather than excellence

• Performing tasks that could be automated

• Failing to preserve uninterrupted time for important work projects and tasks

This week, ask yourself the question – What can I STOP doing to create some space for something new?

This week’s quotation:

“Out of clutter, find simplicity.” Albert Einstein.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk