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Adee H. Dee is (un)known for her sound, practical advice, delivered with the quirky style of a good friend who talks really fast and has a high level of distractibility. She prefers entertaining ideas rather than people and frequently breaks out into song when someone says anything that resembles a 90's song lyric.
Editorial Column
August 2023
Dear Adee,
I'm a new lactation consultant and want to open a private practice by the end of the year. But, it really seems impossible at this point. My to-do list has about 99 things on it. What should I do first?
Thank you,
Overwhelmed in Oregon
Dear Overwhelmed in Oregon,
Honey, it sounds like you're on the choice paralysis struggle bus. First thing you need to do is channel your inner Jay-Z. Look yourself straight in the eyes and repeat after me:
"I've got 99 problems, but my lactation practice aint one of 'em"
Now, stop looking at yourself and let's take some action. I've got some tips to get you moving in the right direction quickly.
➡️ First, you need to grab your smart phone.
➡️ Next, set a timer for 10 minutes. Put on some music if it drives your creativity and productivity.
Now, let's break that list into bite sized pieces.
Tip #1 - Use the NOW, NEXT, and LATER method for a quick start.
Start Here:
Make 3 columns with the headers:
NOW - NEXT - LATER.
Type up or copy & paste that list of 99 things you have to do.
Decide which things need to be done NOW to move forward and start sorting that list.
👓 Dear reader, re-read that last line again. What needs to be done NOW to move FORWARD? Not everything will move you forward.
"Choose progress over perfection here."
Write down each month, August through December.
Start assigning those tasks to a month.
If this month is packed and so is September, sit in that for a minute.
Be mindful of the months that organically have more distractions for you. Is August booked with back to school stuff that you need to dedicate your energy and time to? Does December typically fill up with social commitments?
Tip #2 - Write down your goals.
Make another 'lil list with your goals and desires. Same smart phone, new list.
Name this list: Goals (oh yes, dear reader, that crowd is cheering for you and your goalzzz)
Nothing is too silly or too far fetched for this list. Don't judge the goals, just make a space for them to land.
You want a private practice by the end of the year? You've got to write it down.
"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." – Tony Robbins
Tip #3 - Get real with what you can give.
You have 24 hours in a day.
You need you, maybe other folks and fur babies need your time, too. The reality here is that most humans can reasonably manage 1-3 goals, because- life. Distractions. Intentions. Interruptions. Magic.
The next step is to take a hard look at that list. Not too hard, don't need any eye strain ruining this moment.
Ready?
Circle the top 3 things you know you can and want to invest your energy into.
Pause.
Cross off the rest. They are all moving into the later list. (that's a separate note in your smartphone BTW) *This isn't a cross off and forget-all-your-goals situation, but you need to be real about what you're willing to work on.
What happens when you edit the list to 3 things?
You begin to clearly see what your goals are. And, it will be easier to respond, with confidence, to other tasks and distractions that come up.
Every yes should lead back to your NOW goal. Otherwise, it goes on the next or later list.
Let's role play this out for a sec...
Hey Brave One, "You're such a great speaker. Can you do this lactation talk at the local high school for a health class next month? It's just a 30 minute thing."
BEFORE YOU SAY YES, ASK YOUR BRAVE SELF THIS:
"Does this directly support my goal of opening a private practice in 6 months?" –
The real cost of doing this: About 6-8+ hours of planning, presentation creating, driving, answering questions, unwinding, plus, plus, plus. That's time away from your NOW goal.
"Hey colleague, thank you for thinking of me for this opportunity. It's something I'd like to do in the future, but I'm not available for that project right now."- Brave One
Honor your time. Choose yourself today. There WILL ALWAYS BE MORE opportunities.
Tip #4 - Choose a date.
Choose a date that is motivating, but not debilitating.
You need to take an honest assessment of where you are in the current moment- can you realistically meet this goal in 6 months? If the answer is no, then
"KEEP SHAPING AND RESHAPING THE GOAL UNTIL IT’S A YES."
Tip #5 - Finish strong.
At this point, you have a monthly layout with tasks that DIRECTLY lead you closer to your goal of opening a private practice by the end of 2023.
YEAH!!
What’s that Brave One? ….“But things will come up and I might not be able to do all that."
It’s true, things will come up.
You’ll be ready to sort the things- put them on the now, next, or later list. BAM!
Feel confident that you are saying yes to the things that authentically support your goals.
You did it. You're amazing. 🤜🤛
Adee H. Dee signing out.
P.S.
Here are some more (#unsponsored) links that you might find supportive on #ChoiceParalysis and #ADHD
Got a question for Adee?