Tips for the Busy Person

Here are some tips for being busy as a bee without being stressed:

1. Take a break from what you are doing when you need to and do not feel guilty about it. Make yourself a cup of tea or a cool glass of lemonade if the weather is especially warm.

2. Keep a daily list of the activities you want to accomplish the next day and briefly review it at night, so you won’t be surprised in the morning. I keep my list on my phone calendar.

3. Communicate clearly with everyone so there are no surprises. A sentence or two is probably adequate, and text or email helps you to keep a record.

4. “Make Your Bed.” I know this may sound silly but “start your day with a task completed”. Read the short book “Make Your Bed (Little Things that Can Change Your Life …And Maybe the World)” by Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired). It is an elaboration of his 2017 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. Inspiring.

5. Take a few moments every day to thank God or whatever supreme power exists in your life for the blessings you have been given. Sometimes I listen to a one-minute Facebook podcast of “Moving Moments with Cindy Tang.”

6. Keep a small journal to jot down ideas or thoughts or just doodle. You never know when the creativity is going to strike.

7. Say “yes” to new things whenever you can. Whether this is taking a class, reading a book or article, or going someplace with a friend, always try to say yes. You never know what may come out of this activity. You may be inspired by something you see which can be incorporated into that chair you are upholstering, or that recipe you are fixing for company.

8. Ask for help. People are always willing to give a helping hand or brainstorm an idea. You never have to go it alone and you will be surprised how giving people are to assist. There are no “dumb” questions. Remember, everyone started from the beginning at one time.

9. Give back or pay forward. This doesn’t have to be monetary. Give of your time, even if it is only for a moment. People remember the kindness and will reciprocate or pass the same onto someone else. I have on occasion, bought a coffee for the person behind me in line without them knowing. It is so heartwarming to know you surprised them and maybe brought a smile to their face.

10. Change is a constant. Remember that everything passes, whether it is good or bad. So, look for the bright side of each situation and know that in only a short time it will look differently.

11. Remember to laugh. Try to look for the comical or funny side of the situation even though you may be ready to scream. Maybe something is not funny at the time, but take a deep breath and try to find the lightness in the situation. This isn’t always easy, but what is the worst that can happen? View it as a learning experience, and I’m sure it won’t happen again.

12. Be honest. People buy from those that they trust. Honesty and truthfulness can be delivered in a straightforward and kind manner. It may seem difficult to do this but the recipient will respect you in the end.

13. Do not dwell over spilled milk. If a mistake occurs, assess the damage, offer retribution, be courteous, and move on. It is another learning experience to add to your list of “mistakes to learn from.”

14. Know when to fold. Some people will be difficult, and it may not be worth the effort to continue the interaction. Surround yourself with others who are honest and have your best interests in mind. It is important to trust your instincts when to sever a relationship. Take your losses gracefully and move on.

15. Tomorrow is another day. Start anew and fresh. Trust in yourself and the journey that has got you to this spot in life. Remember, insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting a new result each time.