There’s always a time in a jigsaw puzzle when I have too many pieces out.
Ones that are useful are mixed in with ones I thought might fit somewhere or could fit somewhere or should fit somewhere. They end up stored around the edges and in piles - and turn into an overwhelming mess!
There’s simply too much on the table and I can’t see the wood for the trees.
It’s time to stop and have a giant tidy up. To put everything I can’t see a home for back in the box and focus on what’s actually useful.
It’s a process that comes in handy in all aspects of my life - and in the work I do with others.
When any part of our lives has too much in it, a sense of overwhelm can follow. There’s simply too much to do, or too many possibilities, or we’re pulled in too many different directions.
So how do we identify what’s actually useful, and what needs to go back in the proverbial box?
There are lots of different models to help, but I find the most effective filtering systems are the ones that fit the person and the situation.
It can often be very personal - what are the criteria that are most important for you? What really matters, and where is your energy best used?
It can be more practical - getting clear on where the edges of your responsibilities and capabilities are so you can filter with confidence.
It could be more purposeful - what would truly help move you in the right direction? What would you love to be celebrating in a year’s time?
Some examples of questions that can help:
What’s my actual role? What am I paid to do?
Is this something only I can do? If not, can I automate, delegate or eliminate it?
Do I really care about this? Do I need to care about this?
Which of these truly interests / excites / energises me?
Do I have overwhelming evidence that I need to do this to achieve my goals?
Do you need a giant tidy up in an area of your life?
What filtering system would help you identify what’s actually useful?
And what needs to go back in the box?
Wishing you a wonderful week,
