Major sources of stress can come from a task list that appears to be overwhelming (whether it is written down, or just in your head). That list could have too many items for the amount of time allocated. It could have pieces of work that are not in your skillset (which adds even more stress by trying to figure things out). And it could have jobs that you really don’t like to do, so you end up procrastinating over them (which ripples into time-wasting and maybe negatively affects your psyche).

I’ve been guilty of ALL of those!

So, what do we do about it? … offload, delegate, outsource!

Offload is like delegating, however I tend to think of delegation in the workplace, and “offload” more on a personal level.  For example – in the home, with chores that can be shared.  Another example is with social and sporting groups, with planning and actioning certain tasks (find that person who likes to bake, or the one who likes to get creative with posters). When my daughter was little she thought a fluffy duster was fun, so I showed her how it works and got her doing the dusting! For less co-operative attitudes, perhaps try to offer a trade-off or incentive.

There is much to discuss on delegation, but I found a really great article already well written on the subject, check it out here…https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/delegating/

Recently I’ve been experimenting with outsourcing with little bits here and there, but now I’m going all in and handing over a whole lot of tasks that I’ve been struggling with. Just making the decision to do that was a huge relief! I’ll update on the outcome in a couple months.

Some of the points to be prepared for when outsourcing – yes, you will need to research for potential people/companies, then interview a few of them; and yes, you may find that it didn’t turn out as well as you like, meaning going thru the process again; yes there will be time used for instruction/training/explanation; and of course it will cost money. But it may turn out to be the best thing ever! I used to think that I couldn’t afford to outsource, however I learned the long and hard way that it was actually costing me money by not outsourcing! (because the desired results were not achieved with me trying to do it with little or no help). When money is tight, perhaps there could be some kind of contra-arrangement, or trade-swap (try thinking outside of the box for how it could be implemented). So, the upside – your time and energy will be put to better use elsewhere – like profit making tasks, or just improved work/life balance for you.

Can you think of where you could either: offload, delegate or outsource?

Financial stress has been around for a very long time! Did you know that money is one of the top 5 reasons for divorce? It is also a contributor to some people who choose suicide.

For many, there just doesn’t seem to be enough, and even the best budgeters can come up against some unplanned events that throw them off track.  My personal financial history has included lots of great money habits, and also a few poor choices.

So what can we do to improve this important life essential?

The starting point is to know exactly where you are now –
1:(a) list your “liquid assets” (bank and saving account balances), and (b) your “short-term debts” (unpaid bills, credit card debt and any personal loans).
2: (a) write down your income details, and (b) your regular expenses (rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, transport or vehicle costs, clothing, entertainment, etc). You may need to track your spending for a while to assist with this part.

Determine your priorities – what is important to you when it comes to money? You’ll need this to assist when creating a budget.

Make a plan (whether that is to reduce credit card debt or save for something big). Create a budget that is realistic and applicable to your current situation. There’s a great saying: “what gets measured, gets managed”.

Expect the Unexpected. We never know when a toothache requiring a root canal & crown will come along, or when our car needs major maintenance, or when the fridge will break down. Unfortunately some people lose their jobs, (which was prevalent due to covid). Having an “emergency” fund somewhere is a great idea to ease the burden of a financial blowout event. I remember hearing “save for a rainy day”.

Invest. Save as soon and as often as you can (even if it’s a small amount to begin with), then put that money into a secure way of it working for you. As Robert T. Kiyoski says “pay yourself first”.
Make sure you protect your wealth.

When it comes to debt – look into ways of reducing the interest charges and/or consolidating. Do you have things that you could sell to help pay it down?

When it comes to purchases and expenses – make sure you’re getting the best prices (think discounts, cheaper options). Look at where you can cut back, perhaps there are things you could make instead of buying.

Remember we have the power of mind to choose.

Most of us need to learn self-control in at least one way, whether that be managing money or something else. Having a goal and an accountability partner will help.

Feel free to get in touch with me if you’d like to know more or would like some guidance.

“Thanks” – simple, yet ever so powerful! As our planet spins around and people are caught up in their own world, it may be easy for some to forget the art of appreciation. Small gestures throughout the day are often bestowed on strangers that may seem insignificant and perhaps even expected by the receiver, which is a shame. How hard is it to say thanks, give a little smile, nod or wave?
“We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” – Albert Schweitzer

Being on the receiving end of acknowledgement, and feeling appreciated is a basic human need. Think about a time where you did something for someone and it wasn’t even mentioned, how did you feel? And how about another time when you did something for someone who showed great appreciation, how did that feel? The differences are like “chalk & cheese”, right?

Giving genuine appreciation not only contributes to a healthy dose of fuel for the soul, it can also motivate and lift a person’s mood. Many of us have had a variety of work bosses, and I’m sure we’d remember the praise, or lack of appreciation. I like this quote: “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

It’s also important to appreciate our own attributes, accomplishments and blessings. All too often we beat ourselves up for the things we didn’t tick off the to-do list, or the occasional mistake, but what about all the simple little things we DID do?! This quote kinda fits:  “You won’t be happy with more until you’re happy with what you’ve got.” -Viki King.

Let’s remember appreciation, great and small.

My thoughts on getting through the Pandemic

As the world is consumed with the impact of Coronavirus (Covid19), it is even more important than ever before to take excellent care of our minds and body. From my own personal experience and witnessing first hand what it has done to some, I know how dangerous high stress is, so allow me to share…

Why a calm mind and managing stress is important – Right now you need to know that stress has a negative effect on your immune system (the body’s lymphocytes are decreased). Meaning: the white blood cells that help fight off infection are reduced, leaving you more at risk for contracting viruses. Stress also fogs the mind – making it difficult to focus, concentrate and see things rationally.

Responding to Stress – As we are all individuals with varying differences, then it makes sense that the experience of stress is highly unique to each individual. What is totally overwhelming for one person may not even be perceived as stress by another. Therefore the symptoms and signs of stress will also be different for each person.

** Whenever you feel stressed – take a few long, slow & deep breaths, then exhale slowly, and change your state of mind by thinking about something pleasant **

Know  that  by  using  the  power  of  your  mind, you CAN control your Actions, Reactions and Habits.

** Be mindful of what you’re focusing on – even though we’re amidst uncertainty, one thing is for sure – our prominent thoughts and feelings will grow, so do be careful of what you choose to think.

** Currently our way of life, our freedom and financial security have been stripped – but know that this is will eventually come to an end. We can always look for positive alternatives in the meantime. Be aware of the grief process for these losses.

** Learn to accept and adapt for whatever comes – Whilst the current changes are numerous and extreme, the sooner we take solution based action that works for the good of all, the better off we will all be.

**Get the facts from reliable sources – choose the applicable official health and related websites rather than mainstream TV news and social media. Listen to more positive stories.

** Know that your emotional and physical well-being are a high priority for your immune system, and for a clear thinking brain. For the recovery and re-building of our damaged world and economy, we all need to be in peak condition – mind & body**

To receive a FREE pdf on all my top health tips on this topic, click here

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