From the course: Time Management Tips

What to do when major life events occur

From the course: Time Management Tips

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What to do when major life events occur

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- Life will often throw unexpected events at you. Sometimes, these are positive, like a marriage, a major vacation, or a new baby. Sometimes these events are painful, such as the loss of a loved one, or a significant health concern. When either type of event occurs, the most important thing to do, is stop. Give yourself a moment to process what has happened. Give your mind and body permission to reassess your schedule. It's not reasonable to expect the same level of performance at the moment. So, slow down and change your expectations for yourself. This means pulling out your calendar, looking at everything you're trying to do in the short term, and stretching everything out. Find ways to delay commitments as much as is reasonable. Change the deadlines to occur later, whenever you can. Often this requires you to communicate to others the challenge you're experiencing. I've found, that if we're open and honest about our challenges, very often others are eager to help out. Ask if you can delegate work to them, at least for now, so that you can get back to your normal level of performance in the future. And, in some instances, you may need to completely decline opportunities. Don't be afraid to say no. Also, you may find that it's helpful to seek professional help in the form of a therapist or psychiatrist. These professionals are skilled at giving people the support they need. The feeling of being overwhelmed is something we all occasionally experience. When that happens, remember to stop, slow down, and give yourself some time.

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