Five Steps to Getting Control of an Overwhelming Schedule

We've all been there: taking on too many tasks and not thinking about the reality of our schedules. I recently went through period of saying "yes" to too many projects. It took some time, but I learned valuable lessons in managing my schedule and what my priorities are.

Here's how I came back from the brink:

1. I took a step back.

It's hard to follow this advice when one is overwhelmed.

I remembered to deep breathe. I have the ability to work until I am almost dead with exhaustion. This is not healthy, but it can be very productive...or can it? When I really started to look at my situation critically, I realized that I was running myself ragged by taking on so many projects. I was doing a lot, but accomplishing almost nothing in the process, and I was running at about 60%. I like to give 100% to any task I take on, so this 60% thing was like ice on my spine.

2. The hard edit.

At the opening reception of Placement in June. I look exhausted because I was.

Hard though it was, I cut out extracurricular band membership. Music is fun for me, but I am primarily a visual artist and designer. I set a limit: I sing with only my husband's bands, and I have to draw the line there. That still means performing with three different bands, but it's feasible since we can practice whenever we want. I don't have to schedule anything, we just do it.

I also decided to take a break from exhibiting my photography. While I love showing my work, I saw a recent collaborative art opening as a burden, not an outlet. Until it becomes a healthy, productive exercise again, I'm putting it on hold.

3. Priority refining.
I assessed the projects I have that don't have deadlines and decided where on the priority list they needed to go. Several have been postponed indefinitely, others have been finished, and a few are still in the queue. When time and motivation allows, I finish one of these open-ended projects, but until these clients and friends decide they need these projects completed, I am not going to worry myself by thinking about them.

4. Nurturing existing professional relationships.
I put a spotlight on my relationships with my current clients. If they have a need, I rise to it. When they need advice or just a sounding board, I make myself available. This is easier to do than I initially thought, especially since I started to prioritize properly.

5. Bringing it home.

Taking a walk with the loves of my life. Imagine a schedule coming between me and these two! How silly!

Finally, and most importantly, while all of this was happening, I really focused on my relationships at home. I had overwhelmed myself to the point of being short with and overly demanding of my husband, which created tension in our household. Even our dog, Sapo, felt it. When I started to give Bill the love he deserves, the tension melted and our family unit became stronger than ever.

Now, several months later, things are so much better. I can see clearly where I failed to be fair in my time allotments, especially to myself. Since I've taken these steps, life has balanced out and I'm back to being happy, optimistic, and my can-do attitude has been restored and upgraded.

Do you have any advice to add? Feel free to leave your comments below!