Cycles of Activity – Don’t starve yourself for completion!

by Paige Webb

I habitually take on projects. I don’t say “no” too often. I’m one of those people who believes that anything is possible. I visualize an outcome and go for it--no matter the hurdles or twists and turns. I love challenges and problem solving and the energy gained after the accomplishment.

Last month I witnessed my energy drop to a low that I had not seen in a while. When I wasn’t at the office, I was in bed, or on the internet wasting time. I had apathy towards everything and anything. The projects I have on my list included a new website, rebranding, training and traveling, webcasts, new products, a real estate contract, and house-sitting. I beat myself up about my personal productivity and my exercise habits that had diminished. Too many things were “in progress” and not enough of them were nearing completion. Don’t get me started on the flexibility required for my family dynamics. I was an upside down version of myself.

Last night I taught an overnight class for an international client, and I have been trying to get back to a normal sleeping pattern. I have not slept solidly due to restlessness and anticipation of seeing my project outcomes as a reality…they are right past my nose! I was awakened from a nap by a knock on the door from a neighbor. Needless to say, I was “miffed.” Gosh. I really was on a roll there with sleeping (about 2 hours). I had my phone on “silent” on purpose. Out of my bad habit, I reached for my Blackberry to see missed calls, emails, text messages and Facebook messages. Information overload!

Lying just beneath the scroll of the viewing window of my phone, I saw an email from my mortgage broker. It was titled, “Clear to close.” My house contract is now complete and the finance hurdle that came with it. My patience paid off (but I sacrificed energy with it). I just need to sign on the dotted line and write a check. For the first time in my life, I will own a home! I’ve been living in temporary arrangements for almost a year since my relocation. This is a major win!

Here’s where the cycle of activity comes in: although sleep deprived, this completion propelled me to do the dishes, take out the trash, clean out my refrigerator, sort mail that had piled up, clear my sitting area of a mass of stuff I just “dropped off,” and answer personal emails that had been sitting in my Gmail inbox for weeks. My eyes wept bona fide tears…down my face…to the floor. I laughed at myself. I said, “Goodbye, incomplete” out loud. I turned on John Mayer and rocked out, because I love the blues guitar.

The weight on my chest is lifted. My lungs can fill up now. I feel the carpet fibers beneath my feet. My legs feel stronger than ever. I would love to go for a walk, or even a run, but I may just pass out! I see the lessons from this and how I can manage commitments on the front end, instead of going for it all. I’m soaking it up and clearly…had to write it all down. I had to acknowledge this. Check. Strikethrough. Move on. Calling all completions…this train is boarding, and I’m going to sleep well tonight.