The power of paper, pause, prayer and a simple process can give you clear direction for your day. These simple things done in 15 minutes or less can revolutionize your productivity, energy and outlook.
1st, get a sheet of paper.
Divide the paper into 2 columns
Left half = list the things that are stressing you out; your right now life challenges & problems.
Right side = list out items that you need to get done; personal, work, spiritual, for others
Bounce back and forth between the 2 sides.
Check your email for work (work only!) that needs to get on your list.
[pause... right now!]
- pray (if you do that).
- slow your mind.
- process what is truly important for today.
Take a 2nd sheet of paper.
Make an ACTION LIST for TODAY only from your first list.
# the items in priority order.
Don’t exceed putting 2 really big things on your list.
Start at the top and just get going on them NOW!
Rinse & repeat for tomorrow.
Try this for 5 days.
Stay focused when you work — don’t do things that aren’t on the list.
HOLD email and calls for your last hour of the day UNLESS they are related to the list.
Hi Ryan! I found your blog – I think I needed to find this.
Quick question on this blog post…
On the left hand side of the paper – “list the things that are stressing you out; your right now life challenges & problems.”….
Are these things related to the right column? Are you looking at both sides and picking 2 things from either side to get done/work on or just the right side.
I hope that question makes sense.
Thanks!
When you write out the “stresses” I think you will find that some of the things just need to be acknowledged, prayed about and then you ‘move on’ with out really doing anything. They are BIG things. On the right side put actionable things… they may or may not be connected to the things on the left. Your family may be stressing you out but there may be nothing you can do about it. However, you may really need to go grocery shopping or take care of your personal estate.
Hope that help.
I find that most people who are stressed and stuck don’t take the time to make a game plan nor do they take the time to pray about it.
Great advise, thanks!