No More Monkeys
Next time you feel like you’re being assaulted
with “things to do” – take a moment to consider
the following:
a. You’ll get more done faster if you focus on one
thing at a time.
Picture the surgeon. He performs one operation
after another, all day long. He doesn’t think about
the NEXT surgery while doing the first. If he does
he’ll botch the job he’s on.
b. When you feel pressure to get “everything” done –
take a moment to focus on the area between your
neck and shoulder blades – your “traps.” This is
where a lot of tension is stored.
Let’s take the time to release it.
You’ve probably heard people talking about needing
to get the “monkeys off their back.”
Well, you get them off your back by focusing on
one thing at a time – and anytime you feel pressure
rising, you catch yourself, take a deep breath and
focus on your upper neck and back.
Feel any monkeys.
If so, change your mental picture. Take them off.
I assure you the monkeys are slowing you down.
They are NOT helping you move faster. They are not
helping you get things done.
The best way to get things done is to make a list
of what you have to do before you begin. Then
take a few moments to breathe deeply and relax.
See yourself getting the first thing done. Then
the next.
See yourself doing all these things without pressure,
without tension – without a single monkey.
Once you’ve accomplished the first thing on your list,
then “clear the computer screen.”
Let your mind go blank. Compartmentalize.
Now see the next thing being accomplished. Center
and focus. Then hop to it and do it.
True, you might think juggling three things at once is the
key to getting things done.
You might think that feeling overwhelmed, slammed,
swamped and beaten bloody are better ways to ponder
your daily “to do list.”
I don’t think so.
Take a moment to visualize all the stress monkeys on
your back. Then see all of them going away. See yourself
totally focused and totally relaxed – in the flow.
I challenge you to do this.
Stop scratching your head. Relax, smile, breathe and
focus.
Do this for the next thing on your list today. Then on
the next. And so on. See how many things you can
knock out in a spirit of calm and relaxation.
I’m betting you’ll be surprised.
Matthew Furey