Managing OCD
How to not obsess over getting it all done.
I find that obsessing over getting everything done can be counterproductive and lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Some of my days are filled with half projects and nothing get finished. I literally forget I was in the middle of something and move to the next thing. This often makes me feel like I am drowning. Am I alone here? I was thinking about how can I manage this? I need to find a more balanced approach to my productivity. And so I came up with a few ideas to help me, and you.
Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important tasks and focus on them first. Look at things urgent vs. important. This will help prioritize effectively. This way, you can ensure that you tackle the most critical tasks without feeling overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. And of course make a list. I can’t tell you how many times this has helped, so why don’t I do it all the time?
Set realistic goals: Avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. Be honest about what you can achieve within a given timeframe. No more starting something that I don’t have time to finish!
Learn to say "no": We all have to recognize that it's okay to decline additional tasks or responsibilities when your plate is already full. Taking on too much can lead to burnout and hinder your ability to do your best work. Saying no to fun things is hard to do, but sometimes necessary. This is a hard one for me!
Practice self-compassion: It's essential to be kind to yourself and recognize that you're only human. Nobody can do everything perfectly all the time. Accept that you may not get everything done, and that's okay.
Limit distractions: Identify and minimize the distractions that pull you away from your tasks. Turn off unnecessary notifications, create a dedicated workspace, and set boundaries with others when you need focused time to work.
Cultivate mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, or relaxation exercises into your daily routine. These can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to approach tasks with a clearer and more focused mind. Yoga and mediation can give us back missing time in our day. We need to prioritize these practices.
Delegate tasks when possible: If you're part of a team or have support available, delegate tasks that others can handle effectively. This frees up your time and energy for tasks that genuinely require your attention.
Remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Focus on the most impactful tasks that contribute the most to your goals, and don't worry excessively about the less critical ones.
Lets remember to enjoy each day, and enjoy living. It all doesn’t need to be done “right now”. Ultimately, finding a healthy balance between productivity and well-being is key. Try implementing a few of these strategies with me. I bet you can reduce your obsession over getting everything done while still making meaningful progress toward your goals. I am with you!
Anne
