Spinning Plates

It starts off easy - it makes sense.

You add one more thing to your plate because, well, it's you and you can handle one more thing.

You start getting up a little earlier so you can stay ahead of the curve. "I'll only do this for a little while," you tell yourself.

The next thing you know, you're getting up before anyone you know (except that guy in the book you read or the Internet). It feels good... at first. Then you notice that you're tired most of the day and going to bed before anyone you know (except that guy in the book you read or the Internet).

The feeling of overwhelm and anxiety is undeniable. It feels like a heavy wet blanket on you. The pressure's on your shoulders and upper back. It's harder to breathe at times. It sucks.

You've bitten off a bit more than you can chew, but pride tells you to keep pushing through. You've got this!

Another cup of coffee should do the trick... make that another pot of coffee.

It works... until it doesn't.

You're burned out. You've spent all you have... and yet there's more to do. You become a shell of yourself... a walking zombie. Yet you march on... because it's you. Or so you think.

Sound familiar? I've repeated a pattern like this more times than I care to admit.

Here are 3 things you can do:

1. Start a morning routine that's easy for your schedule. This includes staying off electronics (cell phones and laptops) for the first hour of the morning.

2. Meditate. Meditation will allow you to center yourself and realize what's truly important. This can also be thought of as "thinking time" which I believe to be the most critical part of the day for a business owner. If you need recommendations, just ask.

3. Schedule chill time. Yup, schedule it... as in, schedule it right now on your calendar. I say if often - show me your calendar and I'll show you your priorities.

Bonus points for reflecting on why you're doing what you're doing in the first place. Chances are it wasn't to work more or work harder.

Need help - just ask.