I’m going to share a potentially unpopular opinion with you. You ready for it? You’re welcome, In advance. Here’s my advice for you. Go ahead, drop a ball or two. Trust me, try it. Thank me later. 

I’ve taken Strengthfinders more times than I can accurately recall, and you know what comes up as my #1 or 2 strength every single time? RESPONSIBILITY. “Oh good for you!” One might say. Well, let me just stop you there. Yes, I’m responsible and dependable and accountable. But you know what this has lead to when I wasn’t careful? I became stressed to the max! You want to know why? Because in my head, responsible doesn’t just mean accountable, it means that every single thing that I put, or is involuntarily thrust onto my plate HAS TO BE COMPLETED. And not just completed, but thorough and dare I say, to perfection. But guess what?? That’s not life, it’s not realistic, and it’s damn sure not sustainable. So here’s what I have to remind myself on a daily basis “Tian, the world will be OKAY if everything does not get done. The sun will rise again tomorrow, the Earth will not go tumbling from its axis.” You will not be a complete failure to your family and friends and this entire world that depends solely on your ability to accurately complete your to-do list. I mean, I’m exhausted just thinking about the mental gymnastics involved in simply managing my own expectations. But here’s what I have learned, and it’s an important lesson. 

1. I am right- We will not all spontaneously combust.

2. You may be doing someone else a favor by not simply pushing every agenda forward as if the very existence of said project is life or death.

3. The work will still be there tomorrow.

4. Half of what was asked has been already de-prioritized in favor of the next emergency.

5. If people really think you are a machine, they will treat you like one. I’m a human. I like sleep, and I value how my time is spent when I’m awake.

So, all that said. What I am proposing is not some  revolt against being responsible and accountable. But simply being able to PRIORITIZE appropriately and knowing that of those 10, or 25 balls you’ve got magically suspended in the air, it’s ok to let a few fall. You’ll make the right decisions, I have faith in you, and your sanity will be better for it.    #MessageToMyself #DisguisedAsApsa

What are your thoughts? Have you had similar experiences? What tips or tricks do you use to prioritize personal and work demands?