How To Reorganize Priorities for the New Year

It happens to all of us at one time or another (or perhaps more)—that feeling of overwhelm that creeps  over us from the heavy weight of our priorities. We think about all the things we want and expect to accomplish, perhaps even laying out carefully made plans to tackle our biggest to-do lists… only to find that we bit off more than we can chew. 

Take solace in knowing there are ways to reorganize your priorities for the New Year! While it might be tempting to once again take on lots of projects and ambitions, follow these suggestions for a more manageable flow:

Be discerning

When you feel like everything is important and none of the items on your list can be sacrificed, consider changing your approach. After taking a “Clearing Away Clutter and Chaos” course with organizing guru Andrew Mellen, I was reacquainted with the idea that when you put importance on everything, the result is that nothing receives the attention it deserves. We must have confidence in our own abilities to identify what is of utmost importance and what is not. Determine which tasks and projects are most important for this year, and which fun activities will bring you the most joy. Clear the rest from your calendar and to-do list. 

Focus on What You’re Good At and Delegate the Rest

If you’re great at organizing your finances, keep that on your list of responsibilities. Next think about the tasks you don’t do as well or don’t like to do, and delegate them to someone who can accomplish them better and/or more quickly than you can. For example, perhaps you will send your laundry out to be professionally dry cleaned on a weekly basis (and find a provider with a pick-up/drop-off service!). It might also be the perfect time to turn over some household chores to your children or another family member. 

Take inventory of Time and Money

With each of the items on your list, think about how much time it takes to complete them and how much money it would take to hire someone else to do it. If it’s a higher price than what you want to pay, look at it from another perspective: give an hourly value to your time. Let’s say you value your own time at $30/hour. If you hire someone to complete one of your tasks at $15/hour, you might almost consider that a bargain (50% less than what it would cost of your own time to do it yourself)! 

Leave Some Wiggle Room

Don’t over-schedule yourself, and that goes even for the things you want to do. Ever been excited about getting tickets to an opening-night show or an evening at a brand-new restaurant? Maybe you purchased a new frock to celebrate the 10 pounds you lost or the new account you acquired at work… as you’re getting ready, you start to feel yourself filling with dread or overwhelm at the prospect of going out. It’s such a paradox when you’ve selected an activity of your own volition and then you wind up not enjoying it because you’ve been constantly over-scheduling yourself. Stop doing it! In 2015, make sure to leave yourself a little free space on your calendar for time to relax and recharge! 

--Victoria Crispo, Dec 2014 Career Coach