Looking around social media I have seen many posts about the build up of stress at this time of year. There is a lot of talk about everyone having too much to do, no time, being tired etc. Now that is all true but I don’t want to dwell on the pressure cooker factor here. I want to offer you a very simple solution. Traffic Lights!

Lots of us use them in our work lives, breaking down issues into grades of descending importance or urgency. Well, let’s do the same for all our lives as we try to get everything bought, wrapped, dispatched, stuffed or just finished before the Christmas break. If you are not familiar with this method, don’t worry. It works because it is simple and visual.

First of all, you need to stick to those To Do lists I have talked about in the past. Some of my clients are very familiar with these and now stick to them like glue – successfully. So, maybe this blog is especially for YOU!

To make a To Do list work, it has to be realistic. Whether you write it in the evening for the following day or first thing in the morning is up to you – that depends when you are at your best. (By the way, if you are not sure how to maximise your time and when you are at your best, we can look at that with a very useful time log tool.)

But whenever you write it, keep it short. Don’t set yourself up with an impossible to achieve list. Not only will you not achieve it (obviously) but you will just make yourself more stressed, depressed and frustrated. By keeping your list realistic you will have the satisfaction of getting it all done, which will just create more good emotions and good energy to get the next things done. Not rocket science – but true.

So, with your trimmed down, realistic To Do list, simply colour code it:

RED – URGENT OR IMPORTANT

AMBER – FOCUS ON NEXT, OUGHT TO BE DONE TODA

GREEN – TURN TO THESE JOBS WHEN RED AND AMBER ARE COMPLETE.

You see – not complicated. But it will help you focus and work through the inevitably increased tasks in a controlled and calm way. Good luck!

#lifecoaching #timemanagement #stayincontrol #trafficlights

alicejohnsenlifecoaching@gmail.com    07961 080513