Genuine Gems (GRATITUDE)

20) Are your days crazy?

Years pass. Each day that arrives seems to be busier than the one that has just passed. Some of us have such hectic,  busy, crazy, chaotic days that we can't get our priorities right. We don't have the time to even ponder over what our purpose in life is. It's when your days are so crazy that you need to take that time, and ponder get your days under control. It's important, for your mental health, your sanity,  and your productivity. You simply cannot be at your most effective if you are running around,  putting out fires and getting super stressed in the mean time. Taking the time to gain that control will make all the differences in the world.

Here's how:

First,  claim a block of time to gain control. Yes, it will take an hour or two. Yes, you can find that time. Schedule an appointment on your calendar. If you really,  really can't find the time in your working day, get up early for tahajjud, (optional prayers before dawn) don't sleep after fajr.( dawn prayer ) you can find that time if you really try. Your sanity demands it.

Make a list. Do you already have all your tasks on single to-do lists, or several next-action lists broken down by context? Of so, you are ahead of the game.  If not, this should be your first step.  Gather all your papers into one inbox (including post-it notes,  phone messages, ect.) And process them, listing the tasks you need to do on your list or lists. Making a list of your tasks is the first way to get them under control.

Plan your day. Not just today, but everyday.  You need some sort of regular schedule in order to get things under control. Schedule your regular tasks in blocks of time: email, calls, meetings,  process your inbox,  planning time, writing,  etc. Try to have at least 15-30 minutes at the beginning of each day when you plan

YYour day out in these blocks of time. This little time for planning each day is a simple way to gain control. ( see purpose Your Day: Most Important Task)
Stop multi-tasking. This is probably the thing that makes your day the craziest. You can't stay sane if you're juggling a million things at a time.
If you are doing this, you are not being productive either. Focus on one thing at a time.

Control incoming communications. Others won't let you do this?  You need to be assertive and claim control of your time. Let others know when they can call you, or how often they can expect to receive responses to your emails.  Turn of IM and chat. Turn off your email notifications and only check it once an hour,  or on some other regular schedule. Let calls go to voicemail. You simply cannot respond instantly to every cell phone call, every email, every page, and every request at your desk.

If you have to, put on headphones. Be clear and upfront with others about your availability and the times when you cannot be disturbed. People might not always be happy with it, but after a while, they will begin to respect your time.

Set routines. These regular routines are the best way to feel in control of your life. I've been working on a morning routine and an evening routine at home, and it also helps to have a first-thing-in-the-morning work routine (including step 3) and an end-of-the-day work routine (step 6). Make them a habit, and your days will be less stressful.