55. Too Much On My Plate | Getting un-busy, procrastination, and pulling back from overcommitment
Jul 26, 2021
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Emergency physician and time management coach, Dr. Christina Shenvi, discusses getting un-busy, conquering the email inbox, and overcoming overcommitment. They explore the influence of 'should' statements on overcommitment and the importance of reclaiming agency. They also delve into creating structure, finding joy, and being of service in life.
Understanding the reasons for overcommitment and developing a values-based schedule can help manage overwhelm and create more balance.
Differentiating between deep work and shallow work and allocating time for each can enhance productivity and focus.
Implementing strategies like scheduling dedicated time for email and using the do-delegate-delete-defer method can effectively manage email overload and reduce stress.
Deep dives
Managing Time and Avoiding Overcommitment
Many professionals struggle with having too much on their plate and not enough time in the day. This is a common problem that can be addressed by understanding the underlying reasons for overcommitment. Lack of direction or strategy, saying yes to too many things, underestimating how long tasks will take, feeling obligated to say yes, and the need to prove oneself are all common factors that contribute to the overwhelm of having too much on one's plate. To manage time better and avoid overcommitment, individuals can develop a values-based schedule, prioritize tasks that align with their values, learn to delegate tasks, and develop a system for managing emails efficiently.
The Importance of Deep Work and Shallow Work
In order to manage time effectively, it is important to differentiate between deep work and shallow work. Deep work refers to tasks that require intense focus and concentration, while shallow work consists of more administrative and logistical tasks. By scheduling regular blocks of time for deep work and creating a system for managing shallow work, individuals can ensure that they are devoting their energy and attention to the most important and impactful tasks. Prioritizing deep work allows for greater productivity and innovation, while efficiently managing shallow work reduces distractions and frees up mental space for more meaningful work.
Effective Email Management Strategies
Email overload is a common challenge faced by many professionals. To effectively manage email, it is important to implement strategies such as scheduling dedicated time for email, employing the do-delegate-delete-defer method, and creating a system for organizing and filing emails. By unsubscribing from unnecessary subscriptions, delegating tasks to appropriate team members, deleting or responding to emails that require less than two minutes, and deferring emails that require deeper focus, individuals can stay organized, reduce email-related stress, and prioritize their time and attention for more important tasks.
Understanding and Challenging the 'Should' Mindset
The 'should' mindset often leads to overcommitment and a sense of guilt or obligation. An effective approach to challenging the 'should' mindset involves examining the underlying motivations and beliefs that fuel this mindset. By exploring why one feels the need to do certain tasks or meet certain expectations, it becomes possible to question the validity of these beliefs and reclaim agency over one's choices. Reframing 'should' statements as personal choices and focusing on values, joy, and meaningful goals can help individuals prioritize tasks and activities that align with their values and aspirations.
Developing Time Management Systems and Strategies
Developing effective time management systems and strategies is key to avoiding overwhelm and maximizing productivity. This includes creating a value-based schedule to prioritize tasks aligned with personal values, using frameworks such as the Japanese concept of 'ikigai' to assess the alignment of activities with purpose and meaning, and implementing techniques such as the 'five whys' to better understand motivations and uncover deeper reasons behind commitments. By implementing these approaches and incorporating deep work, shallow work, and email management strategies, individuals can gain control over their time, reduce stress, and achieve a greater sense of balance and fulfillment.
The phrase “too much on my plate” and word “busy” are pervasive in modern discourse. But does it have to be so? We certainly didn’t start out that way as children! In this episode, Dr. Christina Shenvi walks us through the path to clear our ‘schedule plates’ and open space in our lives, get un-busy, and conquer the email inbox.
Guest Bio: Christina Shenvi MD, PhD is an emergency physician at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she is the director of the UNC Office of Academic Excellence and the newly appointed president of the Association of Professional Women and Medical Sciences. A frequent guest on Stimulus, Dr. Shenvi is a world class time managment coach www.timeforyourlife.org where her goal is to help busy professionals find more peace with their schedules, feel less stressed, and use their time more effectively. Her most recent Stimulus episodes were on Procrastination and Habits.
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