The title of this blog post, Strong Girl in Action, could not be more accurate. I haven’t had a minute to sit and write down my thoughts and I had the idea for this post weeks ago. Just after I wrote the first sentence, my boyfriend’s parents arrived at our apartment and the night was starting. So I am here, writing from an airplane because it has been the only moment I have had to sit and jot down my thoughts.
It has been a while since I had time to sit. For those of you who don’t know, I recently started a new job. I love it, but it’s exhausting. The hours are longer, the expectations are higher and the output requested is more. No complaints here though. Any opportunity to learn and grow is one worth taking in my book.
To-Do List
On the week I was leaving for vacation, I wanted to clear my to-do list. My long random to-do list and yes, writing this post was on it. Same as it has been for weeks. I was determined to actually complete the list this week. I would come back from Denver- a new woman. Ready for a fresh to-do list.
I feel like I should share some of the items on my to-do list, but the most important part I want to share is the intense pressure I put on myself. Yes, the list grows and I had no time to cross anything off. If you follow my Instagram stories, you know I love crossing items off of my to-do list.
All of the items on my to-do list involved a large time investment or clear mental capacity. After working 12 hours, the last thing I want to do is think some more. It took me almost having a mental breakdown to realize I could just push the to-do list out.
What Action Will Impact My Life the Most?
If I listed my purses on Poshmark when I got back instead of before I left, how big of an impact would that have on my life? Almost none. If my socks didn’t get reorganized.. (yes that was really an item). Something I am learning in my new role which is perfectly translating into my personal life is about priorities.
The best question to ask yourself is about the impact not doing something will have. If it will have a big impact, do it. Find the time. A great example of this is me carving out time to pack for my trip. It had to get done in a specific time period.
If you ask the same question and the impact is minimal, give yourself a break. Push it out. I keep reminding myself even though I want a better work-life balance, the work I am doing is meaningful. The work itself is on my to-do list and I feel very productive afterward.
Calming Hobbies
Another lesson this time has taught me is the need for calming hobbies. Coloring, mindfulness, meditation, reading, and lastly cooking are excellent ways to keep your sanity. It is still doing something for you, but not as draining or time-consuming as some of my bigger tasks.
So it seems, this post would not have been as strong if I had written it before my promotion. Let’s be honest, I was idle. I had time to spare and could clear my to-do list daily. Welcome to the real world, Elaina. Time management skills are being put to the test for the first time. It is the first time I have to put effort into my work-life balance.
Women in Action
My original intention for this blog post was to be motivational. To inspire others to become girls in action. Actually, let’s start calling ourselves women in action. We haven’t been girls for quite some time now. I haven’t taken a moment to pump you up lately, so here it goes.
You are doing an amazing job. Take a deep breath and a moment to think about all you have done today. Some tasks may seem small and unimportant but think of the impact if you didn’t do them.
If no groceries are bought, you can’t cook. If you can’t cook, you have to spend money to order out. Ordering out may likely be less healthy than what you would have cooked. They may be thankless tasks, but they shouldn’t be.
Challenge
Take a moment to recognize all of the “thankless” tasks that you or a loved one does. Thank them. Thank yourself.