One thing I’m known for is being quick-of course that’s somewhat more debateable as I age-but generally I’m ready to take action as needed.  There’s the plus side, such as clients being able to count on my well-prepared sessions and my being on time. And friends and family know I will follow through to get something I’ve promised done. Plane reservations?  I’ll make them.  Reserve a restaurant for a get-together?  No problem, count on me.  Research a forgotten person, place or thing, I’m on the Internet.

Yet this go-for-it mentality also has a price. At times I’ve put aside more important projects to take on something new and then felt overwhelmed with how to balance personal and work details.  While I’ve had times of smugly appreciating my super woman abilities, I’ve also had to admit mistakes from moving too quickly to try and get it all done.

Aware of my gung ho style, my office assistants help me stay abreast of details and when I delegate certain tasks I can refocus my attention back where it belongs.  But who manages the assistants?  Me.  And that takes time and energy too.  So despite good intentions and best organized efforts, I can still be sidetracked by details. So lessons from the trenches, here’s what I recommend that works best for me:

Use your daytimer and write everything down.  Set clear boundaries between business time and family or social-related time.  No matter how you organize your time there will be interruptions or new time-stealing opportunities, so learn to say no.  If you’re that busy, have your assistant keep your calendar for you. Or, simply slow down and take on less. Ask yourself if you can truly take on something new with everything else you have going on. And above all, find the balance between being helpful to others and self-sabotaging.  

How do you keep your go-for-it mentality in balance?