Recently in one of my accountability groups, a member talked about how difficult it was to create an ideal week.  

When we got them talking, they shared how much they had on their plate.  Think multiple businesses, part-time jobs, volunteer roles, board roles, training, single parent, and more.   

By the time they finished listing everything, I was exhausted for them.  

Their interests are varied, and their companies and volunteer roles reflect this.  

 

What is in your fridge?

When I teach time blocking and creating an ideal week, I usually ask people to think about their fridge.  

Think about your fridge now. 

What does it look like?  Is it full of healthy food?  Is it empty?  Is it full but full of stuff and nothing to make a meal?  

Now imagine you go grocery shopping.   You fill up your cart with all the things you need.  Imagine the cart is overflowing.  

You get home and have to put all your groceries away.   If your fridge was already full, where would you put these new groceries?   If your fridge is empty, you should be able to unpack quickly and easily.  

Your fridge is your calendar

I asked the accountability member what they would do with the groceries that wouldn’t fit into the fridge.  They told me they would buy a second fridge. 

I often get this answer.  

Then I explain that the fridge represents your calendar.  The fridge represents 168 hours of the week.  If you buy a second fridge, you are essentially hiring staff or a virtual assistant.  I’m all for it, but you add something to your fridge before you take anything away when you add staff or a VA. 

This is one solution.  

The other solution is to clean out your fridge.  

What are your Priorities?

I suggested to the member that maybe it wasn’t about adding a second fridge but knowing their priorities. 

I know they loved everything they did, but maybe some things needed to be “parked” until the calendar opens.  

The best way to determine what may need to be “parked” is to determine your priorities.   Once you know the highest priorities, put those in your fridge first.  Then work down the list.  

Anything that doesn’t fit is the stuff you have to park or throw out.  

I don’t know what this member will choose to throw out or park, but I suggested they take some time to wonder what they wanted their life to look like in 5-10 years.  

What does your fridge look like?  Is it time for you to clean it out?  

By trying to do too much, you risk not doing enough.

Peggy Noonan

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