What is on your plate?
Knowing what is on your plate is crucial. The word "plate" in this context refers to everything you think about, are responsible for, and do regularly. We all have a lot that we are taking care of simultaneously, and sometimes it feels overwhelming.
In this blog post, we will explore how to ensure that your plate is well cared for and not overflowing.
#1: Evaluate all that you have on your plate
On any given day, you have a lot on your plate that requires your attention and taps your energy. Taking stock of what is on your plate is very important. You will feel more in control when you know everything that is on your plate. This increases your awareness and helps you see things you did not think you were taking on.
Questions to consider
What is on your plate?
Have you been intentional about what you take on?
#2: Take some things off your plate
To avoid overfilling your plate, it is crucial to know and set your boundaries. There are things on your plate that do not belong there. We tend to say yes to too many things, and they end up making us feel overwhelmed. It is essential to de-clutter your plate regularly.
Questions to consider
What do you have on your plate that does not bring you joy?
How are you going to let go and remove them from your plate?
#3: Add some things that are important to you
After you have evaluated what is on your plate and removed the things that should not be on there, it is the perfect time to add things that are important to you. After I did this exercise, I noticed that I was not doing anything fun, and we decided as a family to explore new things.
Questions to consider
What makes you happy that is not yet on your plate?
How would you create time for the new things you want to do?
#4: Guard your plate
You or other people might be tempted to add things to your plate that should not be there. It is your responsibility to ensure that nothing gets added to your plate if you do not want it to. If you are not intentional about guarding your plate, it will continue getting crowded, and you will be overwhelmed. This is a critical life lesson that I have learned.
Questions to consider
Can you commit to saying no?
How will you ensure no one adds something to your plate?
#5: Be kind to yourself
The truth is that you are a hero for doing everything that you are doing. Show yourself some grace and be kind to yourself. Seeing how far you have come and how amazing you are doing will motivate you for the journey ahead.
Questions to consider
How will you celebrate yourself?
What makes you proud of yourself?
Final Thoughts: MC's Story
Over the past months, I realized that I had too much on my plate. My initial response was to think that I needed to plan better, and everything would work out. That strategy had worked in the past, but it was not working this time because the things on my plate increased substantially. I had to try something new and respect my "plate" better.
Great resources
How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed
Your To-Do List Is, in Fact, Too Long
How to Avoid Burnout and Improve Your Well-Being
7 Tips To Manage Attention and Avoid Overwhelm
11 Things To Do When You Have Too Much On Your Plate
Time for Reflection
When last did you feel like you had control of your life?
What were you doing differently then?
What are new things that you want to start doing to help you enjoy your life?