As leaders we can be so busy doing that we forget about being.  Let’s face it, our lives are hectic.  We juggle careers, volunteer activities, family commitments; the list could go on and on.  Sometimes it seems as if we have so many balls in the air that they all could fall at once if we don’t remain focused and balanced.  This is the time that having a strong sense of what our life’s priorities are is so important.

Right now, take out a pen and a sticky note and write down the top three things (in order) that are most important to you.  Now post it at your desk or in a place where you will see it every day.

The next time you are feeling stressed out from attempting to juggle too many things at once, take a look at that sticky note.  Now ask yourself if those three things are still playing a significant role in your life?  If not, you need to rebalance.  Once you find your balance, success will follow.

When you feel completely overwhelmed by your life, like you are just barely keeping up, it is time to reexamine your priorities.  We all lead busy lives.  However, when your life starts to feel as if it is more than you can handle, its time to step back and take a hard look at all of your commitments.  Ask yourself the following questions:

• What are your top three priorities?
• What activities are you currently engaged in that further those priorities?
• Which activities do not?
• Do you currently have any white space planned into each week?
• What two activities can you eliminate or delegate in order to create some (or some more) white space?

Leaders lead lives of significance because they align their activities with their top priorities.  Narrow your priorities and pick your top three.  Then make sure that you are spending your precious time only on those activities that matter most.  Finally, plan white space into each week for some much needed rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and to address those pesky “emergencies” that tend to derail your over-scheduled life.

Do you find that you are constantly running five minutes late for appointments?  Even if you strive not to over-schedule, you can still fall into the “I can get one more thing done” trap.  Have you ever tried to check your e-mail one last time before running out the door only to get caught up in a response that takes longer to draft than planned?

That one extra task, whatever it may be, can throw off your whole schedule!  Whatever that one thing is, it is not as important as being on time!  Five minutes may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but being even a few minutes late to a scheduled appointment shows others that you disrespect their time.

The next time you find yourself looking at the clock trying to determine if you can complete one more task in the minutes that remain, decide instead to head immediately to your appointment.   If you arrive early, all the better!  Use that time to mentally prepare yourself for the task at hand.  By doing this, you will find that you are more present, less stressed and perform at a higher level than you would have otherwise.

Are you constantly attending to others – working to meet their demands, expectations and time-lines?  Are your own priorities, desires and physical/emotional needs getting lost in the chaos of daily life?  Stop and take a minute to think about what you are currently doing to take care of yourself.

Every airline flight attendant will tell you that you must adjust your own oxygen mask before assisting others.  There’s a good reason for this – if you don’t, you will be of no help to anyone.  Allowing yourself to get caught up with everyone else’s needs at the detriment of your own will ultimately make you ineffective or even downright useless.

Leaders understand that they cannot lead effectively if they do not make time to ensure that their own needs are met.  So consider what you are currently doing on a regular basis just for you.  Are you taking that break you need during the workday to regroup and recharge?  Are you making the time to do the extra-curricular activities that lead you to be more creative, energized or fulfilled?  Are you placing your goal of running a marathon, getting an advanced degree or starting your own business at the top of your priority list and consistently working towards it?

In order to truly take care of those you lead, you must first ensure that you are taking care of you.

I have a little book on my desk called “101 Ways to Have a Great Day at Work.”  It is a simple little book by Stephanie Goddard Davidson that shares some profound quotes and ideas about how to be your best at work.  I look at this book from time to time when I need a little inspiration.  Today was one of those days.

Today I picked up the book, flipped to a random page and found the following quote:

“The happiest people seem to be those who have no particular reason for being so except that they are so.”

- William Ralph Inge

I have to say that I needed that reminder today.  Whatever happens in life, your mood, your state of being, is defined not by the event but by how you react to it.  You can let work or life get you down – or, you can choose to be happy with who you are despite life’s sometimes challenging circumstances.

Leaders are optimistic people.  Even in the midst of turmoil and chaos, their mental attitude can help them to rise above and persevere.

Thank you to my little book for reminding me of that today.