Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines…it’s a constant in our work life. Mix those in with home life to do’s and mandatory schedules – ‘I promised a date with my spouse tonight’! How do we survive?!?!
I do two things:
1) Acknowledge there are seasons or cycles to everything. Marketing is going be busy in the fall. Selling is going to be heavy in the holidays. Accounting is every winter/spring. Kiddo’s sports/events/theater is every spring and fall. You get the picture. Somethings will get caught in that crunch – be kind to yourself and others. It’s expected if you’re in the right frame of mind.
2) Prioritize based on those cycles.
Life: If you’re a tax accountant, a vacation in February is not a great idea. But one in May – much appreciated and much more enjoyable. Kiddo’s game on April 14???? – talk about it ahead of time. When cycles collide, have someone else clean the house, increase your budget for takeout, make extra meals before hand for easy lunches.
Work: Despite what it may feel like, not all deadlines are real and not all deadlines need to be kept – this is the secret. Which ones are not real and not needing to be kept are something you learn. In the meantime, talk to your boss(es) and explain the constraints (not the family ones) and find out which ones can slip.
Bottom line – be open, be honest, see what’s ahead of you so you’re prepared. Being hit by a Mac truck that you could have avoided completely sucks!!! That’s why you have to slow down.
Applied Team Dynamics, LLC 