What are your thoughts on the statement in the picture?

Some of us think we can do everything.
Some of us think we can do everything, just not all at the same time.
Some of us think we can do everything, if we have a process in place to assist.

No matter what your particular thoughts are regarding this statement, the statement itself is rooted in the concept that although we’re extremely capable (can do anything) we’re also prone to putting ourselves in states of overwhelm (attempting to do everything). 

As we continue to march toward the busy holiday season and the end of the calendar year, I thought it timely to share two questions, you can ask yourself, that might help you navigate any upcoming overwhelm on your horizon.

As calendars and diaries begin to burst at the seems, please take a careful look at your schedule (and task list for that matter) and ask yourself:

IS THIS ESSENTIAL?

A basic question, but one that we don’t ask ourselves frequently enough. Is reviewing this report ESSENTIAL? Is it a task someone else can (maybe even should) do? Is my attendance ESSENTIAL at this meeting or can I ask someone to fill me in after the meeting? Doing more “things” doesn’t mean you’re doing things better – it just means you’re doing more – probably not as well as you could, if you did less. 

As deadlines and Quarter ends loom, are you becoming overwhelmed by the final product/result? Ask yourself:

AM I FOCUSED ON THE PROCESS?

One of my favorite people to quote is Nick Saban, former American football coach, not because I’m necessarily a huge fan, but because he delivers his messages with an air of no-nonsense reality that just seems to make sense. In this one-minute video clip, Coach Saban discusses his approach to Process Thinking. Process Thinking in this instance is not focusing on the scoreboard or the score at all; it’s about focusing on the next play. It’s about focusing on the process. If we focus on the process, and collectively string together successful process after successful process, the end result/product will be successful. If we focus on the end result without focusing on each process, we face overwhelm and more likely a lack of success. 

As you navigate the overwhelm, whether specific to this time of year or not, keep these two questions handy as anchors returning you to focus and process:

IS THIS ESSENTIAL?
AM I FOCUSED ON THE PROCESS?

You can do anything.
Ensure you’re doing the right things, in the right way.