Perhaps you noticed, kind readers, that this week’s theme is posted a couple days late. Why? Because I’m on overload - too many things to do, and not enough time to do them. And this isn’t the kind of overload that can be solved with a little time management - it’s TRUE overload, with an abundance of responsibilities and simply not enough hours in the day. Hundreds of emails coming in daily (not including the junk!). A foot-high stack of filing still to be done since moving post-microburst (using my fancy new temporary filing system, comprised of cardboard moving boxes). Juggling three clients (one of whom is brand new, so I’m still feeling him out.) Plus: the weirdness of adjusting to living in a completely different place; the need to drive across town three times a week to pick up my business mail at the PO box (which used to be a 10-minute trip from our condo); the emotional ups and downs I face each day with insurance paperwork and reconstruction updates and decisions; and a darn virus. Whew! Thus: Overload. How to deal with it? The past few days, I’ve simply tried to focus my priorities and do the things that MUST be done, which unfortunately leaves many other things undone. My hope is that by this weekend, my virus friend will be gone, and I can use my weekend energy to catch up. My question to you is this: How do you deal with overload? I know we all face it at one point or another, and I would love to know how you handle it. Do you hire out? (This guy at 43 Folders recommends it.) Bring in an intern? Accept that some things fall through the cracks? Create an intricate flow chart of tasks and responsibilities? Curl up in a ball and whimper? I want to know!
Comments:
2 Comments posted on "Theme of the week: How do you deal with overload?"
Chris Benevich on October 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm #
Jenni, when I’m in your position, I ask myself one question: what must I accomplish today in order to stay in business? Yes, definitely, outsourcing administrative tasks has helped me avoid overload. It’s easy for me to say, I know, but as an outsider looking in, here are a couple of ideas for you to consider. 1.) Maybe you could have the P. O. box people forward or messenger your mail to your current location based on priorities you set. 2.) Maybe you could have an admin person (mine is great, btw, if you need a referral!) fill out your papers, make insurance phone calls, send faxes, make copies for your records, filter your e-mail messages, etc. 3.) I also love outsourcing repetitive and/or time-consuming but not necessarily administrative tasks, such as updating code on my website. Either way, with your go-getter attitude, I know you’ll find a solution that works for you!
Helena B on October 4th, 2007 at 10:54 am #
Jenni, I am the queen of over-commitment and so this is a topic that is near and dear to my (palpitating) heart. Here are a few thoughts: Anyway, there’s probably more, but these are my safety valves. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to BREATHE. Post a comment
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