Testing, testing...

My mental BIKE has been tested a lot lately.

You know when you have so much to do, and there's hardly enough time, but you know you have to do the work, anyway...what do you do? How do you get started? How do you reach the finish line?

I like to follow Anne Lamott's advice from her book, Bird by Bird. I remember to do it one thing at a time, one day at a time, and if it's a report about birds, then one bird at a time. It's easier to accomplish something if you tackle it in bites rather than gulps.

So I've been tested a lot lately about prioritizing, scheduling, being able to "fit it all in." I thik we all are tested in this way at times. How do you manage this?

With my special brand of BIKE, especially the first part of it -- my Best self -- I am reminded that at the end of the day, I'll do myself a huge favor by realizing I can only get through what I can only get through.

I'm reminded of the advice also in the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.

Next time you're tested, do the same for yourself. Don't sweat it. Remember that we don't have all the time in the world. Pick something to do, do it, and then be grateful you accomplished that. Remember to celebrate your accomplishments and make specific plans to tackle the next item on your list.

Your Best self would be the part of you that treats you well, reminds you that you don't have in infinite amount of time, and lets you say "no" when it's necessary.

This week, starting today, remind yourself that it's okay to say "no" to the things you don't want to do or to the things you don't have time to add onto your schedule. Be clear about your schedule with others. Doing this will lead to a self-assurance that will help you save time for the things that you do want to complete. And you'll be a more joyful person.

Imagine yourself now with your hands high up in the air as you come up to that finish line. No matter how long it took you to get there, you did it.

That's what BIKE is about.

All my best,
Jackie