We all know someone who has mastered the secret of time. This “super-achiever” has somehow managed to stretch time and crammed an insurmountable amount of work in every second and still manage to have free time. Logically, we all have the same number of hours each day, but maybe we look at ourselves and wonder, how can I do even a fraction of that?
According to Suzanne Gelb, a psychologist and life coach who has spent thousands of hours working with clients over the span of 28 years, including those who fit the “super-achiever” mold, she noticed a pattern.
Gelb said it’s possible to adjust ourselves. Here are some tips:
1. Fully commit. As in whatever you’re doing, be fully with it. Be present with it. Be focused on it. Don’t let distraction seep in. When you feel your mind wandering off, try yelling “I’m back!” loudly to snap yourself out of it.
2. Avoid multitasking. Our brains are not meant to handle a multitude of activities at once. Close the tabs to your Instagram, Facebook, email, and turn off your phone. Shut down all forms of distraction.
3. Ban “friendly interruptions.” If you’re working solo and your phone buzzes with a text or call, ignore at all cost or turn it to silence. Of if you’re in an office environment, and people tend to stop by for a quick chat, try to find a quiet place where you can’t be interrupted. It takes an average of 23 minutes to get back into the zone of whatever you’re doing.
4. Hang with other super-achievers. If you’re around folks and you’re not learning anything, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Let go of people in your life who drag you down and don’t energize you. You don’t need to cut them out of your life cold turkey. Just make a conscious decision to spend more time with people who are like-minded and inspiring.
5. Prevent emotions from building. Don’t let bottled-up feelings make a mess in your life. Have a reliable outlet for release. That can be through journaling, meditation, working with a coach, or a good exercise routine. Find a way to let go of your stress. You’ll find that you’ll function better with a clear mind.
An important takeaway is to not stress out. Do what you can and be mindful about doing better. Focus on thing you can do now. We find that starting with clearing out all distractions is a great place to start. Noise-canceling headphones are awesome.