I am always impressed with people who are never late, keep a white glove clean house with no help, and set a goal and methodically achieve it.   

That is superhero status to me!

We are told to just create a list and check off what needs to be done and that will do it.  It sounds simple but for many is truly difficult.  

I have made a list with 48 items on it, and wonder why I can't get it all done.  I've also thought it was completely normal to unpack the dishes and wipe the counters when I had to be somewhere in 15 minutes.  Maybe I have ADD or maybe I am just a product of today's world.  Who knows.  

Chasing time does not create peace and a feeling of achievement which I believe is paramount to having the headspace to prepare nutritious food, exercise regularly, and have proper rest;  Habits we need for good health. 

So what is a busy person with responsibilities supposed to do? 

Step 1:  Prioritize goals.   

This involves evaluating what is truly important to you.  Do you really want what you think you want?  

For me, family is number one in addition to conducting myself in a way that makes me feel God would be pleased.  Of course, my health is a top priority as well. 

Knowing this is my belief system allows me to let go of guilt if I am not working as much as someone else,   I'm older and realize that time is precious so I value taking things a bit slower.  This may not be true for you. 

It takes effort to focus on the activities that you resist but know must be done if you want to achieve and not just dream. Many tasks are important, but which ones will generate the greatest return on your time?

Please be realistic and do not overload your willpower and your energy by creating dozens of individual, unrelated goals.  It is a recipe for disaster.

Step 2:  Write it down:

Make sure you have a daytimer, journal, or app resource to write down the items you wish to focus on.  If you can stack habits all the better.  I make coffee and unload the dishes while it is brewing and sometimes stretch while brushing my teeth.  lol.  I also return calls and walk if I have cell reception.  (Another two boxes checked)

Keep a schedule and do something every day in the direction of your goal.  This has been key for me to not feel overwhelmed.  Remember willpower is not enough.

Step 3:  Eliminate low-priority activities. 

What are you doing that wastes time during the day?  Can you consolidate activities, ask for help, or hire someone to assist you?    

When I step away from the bustle of the day I see that I spend too much time cleaning and could eliminate about an hour of wasted time online without feeling much pain.   This found time can be redirected easily. 

Most people who promote a fitness lifestyle will do batch cooking on Sundays so that food prep does not take much time during the week.  When you are hungry and there is nothing healthy and delicious in the fridge, it is a grab anything situation!   :)

Step 4:  Eliminate distractions: 

Email and little annoyances will always be there so most days of the week I get my exercise in before opening my mail.   Email can get out of hand so I erase as much as I can.  Best for me to not open unless necessary.  

I  use "Do not Disturb" on my phone so that I can concentrate more deeply and when I want to rest.  Countless times I have received spam messages and calls when I am sleeping or in the groove creatively.  It's a no-brainer to shut it off. 

I hope these tips help.  If you think you have ADD, I have loved Totally ADD by Rick Green.  He has a great newsletter every Friday.  I also play classical study music while I work sometimes which keeps me focused. 

Yours in wellness,

Jamie. :)