We all lead such busy, hectic lifestyles that it can be hard to keep focused on every aspect of it. Often it feels as though we’re balancing an entire crockery service, rather than just a few plates!

Whilst being organised is key to getting tasks achieved and in combating anxiety, we can go to the extreme by making unrealistic task lists.

I used to do this, and I’d usually entirely overlook the real time needed to undertake each task. For example: bake cookies = twenty minutes, but what about the making and clearing up time?

So I’d get angry and frustrated with myself and feel incompetent as I glared at the outstanding tasks on my list. Or I’d think: “What’s wrong with you, you used to be able to check off all the chores!”

But, of course, punishing ourselves only serves to dent our mental health; I’d find myself falling into the cement of depression where I’d get further reprimanded by the echo of my abuser’s narrative…

This is when a shift in my focus came to mind. I’d assumed that it was about the number of tasks, not the quality. I knew that being focused was a life anchor, but I was pushing it deeply into the sand bed of my head, rather than allowing it to settle naturally.

I had far too many tasks to achieve in a single day, that many would remain outstanding.

A new strategy was required.

Nowadays I grade the tasks, highlighting the urgent ones and getting them done at the beginning of the day when I’m refreshed from the previous night’s sleep. Next, I’ll spread the others out over a longer period of time, and I’ll overestimate how long each one will take.

This shift in my thinking can easily be applied to your busy schedules too. Actually, it greatly improves focus when you manage your time more realistically to match your lifestyles!