Coaching Support is Human Support

When we think of time management, we often think of the things we need to do. There’s a list, and the items on the list need to get checked off. And if you’re operating in today’s business world, that list can get long very quickly.

What if?

What if the first item on the list was YOU? What if, before you started scheduling your to-do items, you intentionally scheduled in your own needs first? A good night’s sleep. Regular meals three times a day. Water to drink throughout the day. Time for exercise or a catnap.

We are rarely given permission to put our needs first, and, as a result we rarely give ourselves permission to put our needs first. Instead, we are often faced with a list of responsibilities for the outside world. Yes, that list may include assignments and projects that we care about deeply, but we too often forget our fundamental needs before we dive into those responsibilities.

Here is a suggestion.

As we head into a new season, make a list of what you need each day. It might be simple, and that is exactly the point. Consider the basics: Sleep (at least 7 hours). Food (3 meals at 3 different times). Regular breaks (at and between meals). A walk or call with a good friend. Time for a personal project or something that inspires you, even if it’s just 15 minutes.

Now, put those things on your daily calendar. If you don’t have one, get one or make one.

You are a busy person. You have a lot to do. But your very human needs must come first to sustain you.

Professional Support is human support.

When I work with business leaders, we talk first about the basics. We figure out what is needed, like sleep, food, water, exercise. (You know, the things that we all forget to do for ourselves!) We figure out how they can carve out time for personal priorities, because those are the things that matter, even when (or especially when!) a major task is due.

Get the support you need early.

Get your calendar straight now. Carve out time for yourself and your personal priorities before the calendar takes it over. Having successful projects consistently means taking good care of yourself. Reach out to someone for support, and stay in regular contact. Your skills are important, but you need to make sure you are fueled up enough to be effective.

Reach out if you need help.

Contact me if you need to figure out how to get started. I offer a variety of packages for business people and I am passionate about seeing each person succeed on their terms.

Good luck!

Now, get out your calendar, and put yourself on it.