. From Simultaneous to Sequential

It is getting easier and I am getting used to the feelings in my heart, but even as I do, I am learning that when you are in a stressful situation or an unusual place where things are not making much sense, it is best to order yourself in such a way as to do what matters MOST first.

This means that you move from more SIMULTANEOUS living (doing a lot of things all at once) to somewhat SEQUENTIAL living (focusing on one, then another, and finally a third).

It seems that when stress increases, our capacity to deal with a lot of different options, projects, and responsibilities diminishes.  This is not because we are weak, bad, or otherwise faulty.  It is just a fact of life!

Become More Lineal

So when the going get rough, tough, and otherwise impossible (even when it doesn’t seem it should be that way from anyone else’s point of view), may I suggest you become more linear and less spatial.

For instance, you have awaken one morning and know it is going to be a “slow” day.  You are up late, you are not your best self, the housework seems endless, the children are out of sorts, and your mind is a fog about whether to start the dishes, get a batch of wash going, or maybe just to give up altogether and climb back in bed.

Unload on Paper

Before you totally give up and just switch on the TV for awhile, list everything that is on your mind.  Yes, get it out on paper.  Yes, everything.  Then separate the tasks into three different kinds:  MUST DO TODAY, WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THIS WEEK, and CAN WAIT FOR LATER.

Redo the Lists

Rewrite your list into three different lists.  Put the CAN WAIT FOR LATER list in the back of your planner.  (It will be the last list to tackle.)  Put the WOULD LIKE TO GET TO THIS WEEK list at the end of this week’s pages.  (It will be there when and if you have energy to think about it.)

Face the Highest Priorities

Now take the MUST DO TODAY list and by adding 1, 2, or 3, etc. to each item of your list, decide the exact order in which you will face your day.

Yes, I know that this is taking a lot of time, but it will save trouble, decision-making, and lots of frustration for the rest of the day. With a list of what to do and in which order to do it, you now have focus, you now can live SEQUENTIALLY.  This will make is easier and faster to get going and keep going through the day.

Tackle Number One

Face the first item, tackle it, take care of it, and then go on to the next (between changing diapers, wiping noses, and answering questions if you have small ones).  Then go on to the second item (and answer phones, keep your boss happy, and smile at the customers if you are at work).  Then the third, fourth, and on and on.

You will get through today more successful and happier than any other way.

Find more helpful ideas in the House of Order Handbook.