Do you ever have days where you feel like you are struggling just to keep up? I know I do and this week is no exception. I refer to my calendar often throughout my day so that I can keep myself on track and record completed projects for my clients. I do this for two reasons:
- I monitor my free time so I know what blocks of time are available for future client projects or for personal appointments that may come up. These open blocks of time can also show me when I can sneak in some “me” time.
- I monitor how much time each client and their projects require. This lends a better understanding of where my time can best be served and what time of day I am most productive.
However, this is not a fool-proof system. As a matter of fact, as of this writing, I have yet to accomplish ONE thing! I started out writing this article early this afternoon, but due to unforeseen events, my schedule fell by the waist side. Between a toddler not feeling well and needing his Mama, to a husband calling from work asking for help dealing with some banking issues, to a great new client needing a project completed today, my whole schedule shifted. Now, I am faced with a half-clean bathroom, laundry in a basket waiting to be folded, a wonderfully consistent client waiting for his projects to also be completed and this article to be written. Will all of these tasks be accomplished today? Probably not.
This is where flexibility comes in to play as well as a chance for growth. For whatever reason, I wasn’t supposed to accomplish all of my goals today. Yes, I am a VA with responsibilities to my clients, but I’m also a mother and a wife. Sometimes, those personal responsibilities override my professional duties. If you are anything like me, it’s not easy to let go of your professional responsibilities when deadlines are looming. However, my first priority is to my family.
With that in mind, I will do my best to get this article published tonight and start fresh in the morning with a newly updated schedule of goals and tasks that are due for the day. I know my clients will understand as they are also entrepreneurs.
Lesson learned: You cannot plan for the unexpected. You can “expect” the unexpected but inevitably, emergencies will come up. The best course of action is to accept it and do your best to get through the day. After all, tomorrow is a new day!
I loved this post! It’s so true… Thanks Jen!
You are most welcome, Kena!