Although this time of year should be fun and festive, it's often stressful. And the added stress means that the little things that you might otherwise overlook can sometimes become unbearable.
To help clear the way for a happier, healthier new year, consider this two step process for eliminating problems and 'tolerations' in your life and your practice:
Step 1: Make a list of everything you’re tolerating in your practice (or your life). You don't have to make the list all at once - you can just keep adding things as they occur to you, or as you come across them. Some will be immediately obvious. Others may be more subtle. Your list can incude everything from the file drawer that sticks to the telephone cord that keeps twisting to the poor filing system in your office. Just acknowledging and writing down these problems will make you feel better.
Step 2: Decide to cross a certain number of those items off the list every week or every month for the next year. Start wherever you want. If there's a obstacle that's been in your way for a long time, take the first steps toward resolving it. Or start small - hang the picture that's been sitting in the corner of your office or get some lubricant for the squeaky chair. Once you start crossing items off of the list, you'll see what a big impact small steps can make.
Keep in mind that some of your 'tolerations' may be obligations or people. Do you have clients you can't stand working for, that don't pay their bills or that don't value your work? Consider eliminating them.
Are you tired of doing everything yourself? Are you tolerating clerical work or other work that can be outsourced or delegated? Start researching possible ways to rid yourself of the work you just tolerate so that you can focus on the work that stimulates you intellectually and brings the highest value to your practice.
Do you belong to so many groups or get so many invitations to events that you don't enjoy your activities or aren't at your best? Do you resent getting those invitations, rather than welcoming them? If so, it might be time to reconsider your commitments and pare down to the ones that are the most productive or the most enjoyable and give yourself permission to jettison the rest.
The end of the year is a good time to think about what you have in your life or your practice that you no longer want or need, and what no longer serves your main goals. If you can take steps to rid yourself of them, you'll feel lighter in the new year -- no matter how many holiday treats you indulge in!
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