Time4Yourself and 100%

On that great modern-day dispenser of wisdom, Facebook, I read a quote by Larry Bird that went something like…”I have found that if everyone gives 100% things generally work out.” 

This hit me right between the eyes because for the last couple of weeks I have been hearing the phrase, “Don’t get so stressed, it will all work out.”  This platitude is offered as a way to help me lower my stress when in fact it makes my blood pressure rise and I want to scream…”oh yeah and just how is it supposed to happen?”  (I’m a little stressed at the moment, folks).

A little context:  We are moving.  We have to be out of our home by 10/15 and we have nowhere to go.  Unable to find a place we like and want, we are now looking at putting the contents of our house in storage while we continue to search.  My husband has a bad case of sciatica and is not able to do very much in the way of helping.  Get the picture?

So I am giving 200% to this move and it will get done because I am giving 200%.  Hence my reaction to the phrase, “don’t worry, it will get done.”

Before you tell me to practice what I preach I want to say that I did let the stress help me find a solution.  I have called in help…lots of help and it is getting done.  I’m still giving 100% but others are too and that has lowered my stress considerably. 

Now I use this as an example from my life and how easy it is to get caught up in the ‘I have to do it all myself syndrome’.  I also know from my coaching practice that many of you very busy, amazing women suffer from this syndrome as well. 

And yet, Mr. Bird is correct.  If everyone gives 100%, it does get done.  Which means everyone needs to give what is their best effort toward a smooth running home or office or organization or family.  If we step up and assume we have to do it all or that we are the only ones who can do something, then we skew that percentage toward exhaustion on our part and a restful time on theirs.

Take a page from my crazy life and ask for help.  If the family isn’t giving 100% of their best effort, it is time for them to step up and you have my permission to tell them that.  Even a 5-year-old can pick up her toys or put her clothes in the laundry.  Even a man can cook supper, do the shopping or cleaning especially if he thinks evenings are for golf and TV.  Even a teenager can wash their clothes, make their lunches or run their own errands.  

To paraphrase an African proverb…It takes everyone giving 100% to get it done!

Take some time for yourself and find the support and help you need so you can give the best 100% of your effort.

Nancy