Feelings of overwhelm are not uncommon in the professional world, especially for entrepreneurs. But the way we choose to handle the overwhelm is important. Like all other choices we make, creating habits for positive choices is what is going to guide us to lasting developmental growth when the overwhelm strikes. Learning how to implement these lasting habits will guide you to creating more peace--and I know peace is something we all need a little bit more of.
One discipline and lasting habit I want you to begin to implement right off the bat is the ability to say “NO”. When you are able to say no to people, requests, and adding things to your schedule, you will be able to find more peace. And trust me, saying no does not make you look bad. Especially when you are firm with your reasoning and beliefs--how you choose to schedule your time is up to your and determines how your day will go. Chances are you worry about saying no to doing ‘more’ more than you should. And that worry ironically creates more overwhelm in us rather than just saying no would have. We are now forcing ourselves to do something unpleasant and something we know we don’t want to use our time on just because we did not want to be honest in saying no. Saying no creates more freedom, more peace, and more genuine happiness; all of which help us to avoid being bitter.
The reality is, your choices and the decision to learn how to use your voice with grace and genuinity will create so much more peace of mind and peace in your day. Therefore, eliminating the overwhelm.
Think about this when you think about your morning routine as well. Is your morning routine chaotic? For most of us, that’s a yes. Creating a peaceful morning routine is another discipline that is important to adopt. Checking social media in bed, watching negative news, going through our emails before even sitting down for work...these are bad habits that will continue to create overwhelm in our days. I promise you if you begin to change your morning routine and take time to read something positive, journal, meditate, drink some water, or listen to peaceful music, your entire day will start off and continue in a peaceful state.
To tie together being fierce with your time in saying “no” when appropriate and creating a more peaceful morning routine, one of the best ways to learn to do both is with blocking out your time in your schedule. You may have heard me talk about “brain dumping” a time or two before and what I mean by that is literally dumping everything in your brain out onto paper. Get it out! And as you do, you are able to schedule your day appropriately. Everything does not have to be done in one day, try spacing it out according to your schedule. By doing this and by blocking out your schedule according to how you want your day to flow, your mind with be more at peace.
Lastly, one of the biggest disciples that I think we can all be better at is owning our night routine! It is JUST as important as your morning routine. Shut off your electronics early, try meditating to calm your mind, journal about what you’re most grateful for; when you begin to implement a more calm and serene routine before going to bed, not only will you sleep better but you will awake calmer and more well-rested.
Being disciplined with yourself is one of the most important things when growing as a business professional and these four habits are a great place to start in heading in that direction. To learn more about the four disciplines, click here to listen to my most recent podcast titled, “Choose to Grow Through the Overwhelm.”