In both the public and private sectors, we have all been there: too much to do and not enough time to do it. Time is our most precious resource. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Time is money.” However, even if you’re typically very efficient, having too much on your plate can be very stressful. You begin to feel overwhelmed. When this happens, you can become unproductive and unable to get anything done. What to do?
My Story
Right now, I am busy with many roles. It helps me to recall another busy time a few years ago when I stepped into the State of Colorado Chief Information Officer position. I had to prioritize and let go of certain things to say YES to running the information technology for the state. Here’s what I did:
1. Transitioned leadership of my company. I hired an Acting CEO and promoted another colleague. I moved off the board of directors and trusted that the other co-founder and new leaders would guide it through. They did a great job.
2. Said NO. I stopped writing my e-newsletter every month and moved it to an occasional distribution. I said NO to a significant non-profit board seat. I let the other co-leaders of my Girl Scout troop step up and take the lead.
3. Asked for help. My husband was a huge help in supporting my state role and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks. I remember coming home every day, after a 90-minute bus commute, to a dinner waiting on the table for me.
Practical Pointers
Here are a few strategies from my research on Pursuit of Passionate Purpose.
- PRIORITIZE. Pause, breathe, and discern what is most critical to accomplish now.
- USE THE PERSISTENCE STRATEGY. Divide and conquer. Don’t try to do everything at once. Instead: A. Commit to a clear purpose; B. Divide the whole purpose into parts; and C. Conquer the whole, piece by piece, and persevere with an unrelenting will to accomplish each part.
- SAY NO IN ORDER TO SAY YES. Even when you divide the task into parts, there just may be too much on your plate to get even one part finished. In that case, get clear on your top priority, tackle one piece in line with that priority, and say yes to it. Then put the rest out of your mind.
- USE THE ALLOWING STRATEGY. Be clear on what you want and allow the means for attaining it to unfold. Let go of attachment to a certain way to attain your goal.
- USE THE CONNECTIONS STRATEGY. Ask for help. People want to be wanted. They like to help. Don’t do it alone. Delegate. Hire to buy time. Build a support system.
Summary
Recognize when you have too much on your plate and you’re becoming inefficient. What to do? Prioritize. Divide and conquer what is on your plate into one smaller part. Say NO in order to say YES. Allow an easier way to emerge for attaining your goal. Get others to help you.
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D. is a tech and cybersecurity-savvy C-level executive, 3x tech entrepreneur, Certified Management Consultant (CMC®), and Certified Corporate Director (NACD.DC) who is the Managing Director of Government Sourcing Solutions. She is the former State of Colorado Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Colorado CIO of the Year. She researched, authored, and speaks about her best-selling book Pursuit of Passionate Purpose: Success Strategies for a Rewarding Personal and Business Life.
Image by jesadaphorn on Adobe stock images
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