Dec13

Stress: Deciding What Doesn’t Need Doing

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We spend our childhood learning how to do things on our own. Independence is a quality we strive for. Then we go for teamwork, responsibility, and accountability. Next thing you know business is telling us to learn how to ask for help again. . . . and delegation comes next.

It takes us a while to blend independence, teamwork, responsibility, accountability and the ability to delegate. Once we’ve done it, though, we’re ready for anything.

Except for the things that just don’t need doing.

Like learning to become independent, learning to do the classwork we were assigned without question is an outgrowth of childhood.

It’s easy enough to move forward into life still following that habit.

STOP.

Take a look at your plan yesterday, today, tomorrow. What’s on it that’s there solely from habit? What are you doing that is no longer useful to you? Do you have rules you follow that only you care about?

Why not stop doing those things and put the time to use in ways that you’ll feel the benefit?

Take a few minutes to decide what doesn’t need doing.

Liz Strauss

Behind every Successful business is an Outstanding manager. Perfect Virtual Manager.

 

  • http://www.christopheravery.com/blog/ Christopher Avery

    Hear hear. Well said Liz. I like your words of wisdom, and I think I’ll tag this as a Responsibility Redefined sighting. I’ll add your blog feed to my list so I can stay up with your writing about writing, and maybe I’ll seek your services one day to help me write about responsibility and teamwork.

    Here is one of my secrets for not doing what doesn’t need to be done:
    http://www.christopheravery.com/blog/how-to-do-more-of-what-you-want-everyday/

  • http://www.christopheravery.com/blog/ Christopher Avery

    Hear hear. Well said Liz. I like your words of wisdom, and I think I’ll tag this as a Responsibility Redefined sighting. I’ll add your blog feed to my list so I can stay up with your writing about writing, and maybe I’ll seek your services one day to help me write about responsibility and teamwork.

    Here is one of my secrets for not doing what doesn’t need to be done:
    http://www.christopheravery.com/blog/how-to-do-more-of-what-you-want-everyday/

  • http://lettingmebe.blogspot.com Liz Strauss

    Thanks, Christopher.
    It’s amazing what hidden assumptions we carry over from past experiences and childhood and just keep on doing. We need to regroup now and them. :)

    Thanks for your comment and your link!

  • http://lettingmebe.blogspot.com Liz Strauss

    Thanks, Christopher.
    It’s amazing what hidden assumptions we carry over from past experiences and childhood and just keep on doing. We need to regroup now and them. :)

    Thanks for your comment and your link!

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