Feeling Overwhelmed? Set Smaller Goals

overwhelmed, business, busy, checklistFeeling overwhelmed? It’s a new year. A chance for new beginnings. Let’s make a new year’s resolution not to make a resolution. Let’s just get things done!

When I think of all it takes to be a writer, editor, publisher, marketer (is that right?), and speaker, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So I do what I do best–make checklists.  I have vowed to cross 2-3 things off my checklist everyday and not push myself beyond that. Yes, my list continues to grow, but it will be there tomorrow. As an entrepreneur, you can work yourself into the ground if you aren’t careful. Then you’ll miss out on all the reasons you went into business for yourself.

Setting your own schedule–remember that promise to yourself? I’m sure you were thinking about a more relaxed schedule where you could make your kids’ events and sleep in on occasion. Or were you really planning on working well past dinner time? Driving yourself to just “get finished.” I’ll let you in on a secret. When you are an entrepreneur, you are never finished…and never will be. There will always be another thing to do, another idea to implement.

Be happy in what you’ve accomplished so far. Take stock in what you like (or don’t) about your business. Then make a list on how to make things better. Break it down into bite-size chunks. When you cross three things off your list, reward yourself. Play a quick computer game (don’t get sucked in too much!), read a book or article, get a snack. Then if you are still motivated and have the time, refer to your list. If getting through those three things was a chore, call it knock-it-off for the day.

The last thing you want to do is push yourself too hard and burn yourself out. This is your business. If you aren’t there to do it, who will be? This business is your baby. In order to do right by it, you have to do right by yourself. This way you both succeed.