The Three D’s

During really stressful times, such as the holidays, there are some things you can do to reduce your stress.  Keep in mind these three D’s to take back some control of your overwhelm!

Delay – Look through your list carefully.  For each item on the list ask yourself – What would happen if I didn’t do this right now?  If there is little or no consequence to not doing the task, put it at the bottom of the list.

When there is so much to do, prioritization goes out the window.  All items on the list receive the same importance and sense of urgency.  I’m not sure why this happens, but it does.  Taking the time to order your list and delaying what you can will help to clear your mind and focus on the true priorities.  You might find that those items at the bottom of your list fall off, get done without your involvement, or aren’t worthy of your attention.

Delegate – Under stress it’s easy to get caught in the trap that you have to do everything yourself.  Perhaps you are saying to yourself that no one can do the task better than you.  You are right – no one can.  That’s a great red flag that you may be taking on too much yourself.  Give your co-worker or subordinate the chance to shine.  Take a few minutes to train someone to create a report.  Involve your entire team in completing the year-end projects.  Ask others how they think something can get accomplished.

Stress is often accompanied by a sense that you’ve lost control.  The loss of control makes you grab onto everything that comes your way.  This leads to piling on more, not less, to your otherwise busy schedule.

Sub-tip:  Continue the delegation at home.  Perhaps your spouse can make part of the meal.  Your teenage son can run errands.  Your children can be responsible for decorating the house.  The results may not be up to your “standards” but who cares – no one is keeping score.  Give others a chance to step up to the plate.

Done – When something is complete, let go.  Whether it is your power point presentation, project report or anything else you’ve finished – revisiting it only adds to the overwhelm.  In stressful times it’s easy to get distracted or forget what’s been done.  Our minds are full of details.  Make a conscious commitment when you’re drawn back to  review something you’ve finished, you’ll stop yourself and move onto your next task.  The energy you spend on polishing, re-engineering and refining the last 2% of something isn’t the best investment of your time.

Stress is a funny state of being and feeds on itself.  Sometimes stress can cause us to act in strange ways.  Instead of taking on less – we take on more.  Instead of giving up control – we hold on tighter.  Instead of laughing that things aren’t perfect – we fret that things aren’t perfect.  Give yourself a break during this season and let go, have fun and laugh at life’s imperfections.

What tips do you have to share during this season?  How do you delay, delegate or let go when you have too much on your plate?  Leave your comments below.

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