10 actions to be more in control each day

Do you sometimes feel out of control, overwhelmed or just that you can’t seem to move forward?

The summer or rather lack of a summer here in the North Island has created a number of challenges for many of us — maybe all of us — whether physical, mental, emotional, relational and certainly financial.

For me, if I don’t have accountability, then it’s easy to get stuck in the procrastination loop, with another day going by, with little to show for it.

However, I do whatever it takes to beat this. Every day is precious, so we have to, have to, do what we can to keep on moving.

Here are 10 ideas or actions, that I need to remind myself of, to keep on track and feel a sense of control. I hope that they help you.

1. Set clear & specific goals
   Try to think about these for the short-term and long-term, in order to give us something to aim for (Purpose) and some direction to get there (Strategies and techniques)
2. Prioritise these goals and action
   Determine what the most important tasks are and focus on those first — not the easiest ones! Once the big ones are sorted (Must Do’s) then and only then, move on to the less important ones (To Do’s)
3. Organise yourself & your environment
   Clutter!!! Clear the clutter, whether this means your desk or workspace to provide a space that supports what you need to achieve, but also the wider environment in your home etc too, so that those small tasks don’t start to overtake.
4. Create Routine
   Creating routine is tough but also rewarding. It takes time but is worth it. You never regret going to the gym, yet it’s often hard to get yourself there and very easy to find something else to do. If you create a consistent routine that includes time for work, exercise, downtime (self-care) and leisure activities then you will find that you are much more in control of your destiny.
5. Time blocking
   This needs to be practiced as it’s not so easy but again, it’s about creating a good habit. Set yourself deadlines, make Must Do lists using something like Trello — ensure it’s on your phone so that you have it on the go. This is all about time management and the ability to visualise what you need to do each day, in advance, then go to it.
6. Say No
   Learn to do this, for anything unnecessary that takes you away from your focus. This will help you to move away from a sense of being overwhelmed — we simply can’t do it all. Try it as it’s liberating!
7. Build Community
   Whilst not always easy, ensuring that you build a support network around yourself with those that encourage you is essential. This can be made up of family, friends or professionals/a professional network. The key word is ‘support’. They are the ones that will be there for you, anytime, so Trust is imperative.
8. Downtime or ‘self-care’
   Again, this is something that you’d like to become habit, so it needs practice. As mentioned above, please take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally and financially. Top of the list is sleep. Then exercise and
9. Mindfulness (or is it Mindemptiness?) — being in the moment
   Clearing our minds and listening out for life, can make all the difference. Hearing the birds, the waves at the beach, the wind in the trees. Feeling the ground or sane beneath your feet. Listening for your breath. Sensing the sunshine or seeing the vista…all of these things can assist you to stay centered and present in the moment.
10. Action. Action. Action. Take action!
    Even baby steps means movement. Movement means progress and stops you feeling stuck. It also takes your mind off feeling overwhelmed. Even the smallest thing…one step at a time, something manageable, helps me feel more in control of life. Once you’re on your way, keep building and never stop.
11. Bonus to consider…Is ‘x’ actually within your control?
    It’s reassuring to remember that some stuff just isn’t within our control. If it isn’t, put it to one side and leave the worry there if you can.

Best wishes.