When I first started this business over 16 years ago, I learned an important lesson that stays with me today. Here’s the story and the lesson:
I was in a networking group of other/like-minded professionals back in 2010 when I first started OCD. I met a man who owned a Moving company so we worked together a lot. I would call him early in the morning to talk about a job we were both involved in but he never answered the phone before 10 AM. I actually assumed that he was busy before 10AM because moving companies usually dispatch their crews really early so that they can get to the job by 8/8:30 AM.
One day, about 6 months later (don’t ask me why it took so long) I asked him why he never answers the phone before 10 AM. His answer was … ”self-preservation”. I didn’t expect that answer, at all. I asked him to clarify. His answer was: I get up early and make a protein shake. Then I take a long walk. I get home, take a shower and then I’m ready for whatever the day brings.
It was really quite simple and made so much sense. The lesson was…take care of your needs first. I was told (and I already knew) that starting a business was going to be hard work and that I’d be working a lot of hours. I was also told that it was important to take care of myself and that I do whatever was absolutely necessary in the morning or the day would get away from me.
At first, I didn’t listen. I had so much to do and I just did not make time to do the things that kept me in shape physically which also affected me mentally. For me…if I don’t look good, I don’t feel good. Call me shallow but, it is what it is.
It took some time but I finally realized that he was sooo right. I didn’t listen at first because I was so busy trying to make this business happen. I started gaining weight because I wasn’t going to the gym or walking. I was basically in front of my computer for 10 hours a day. Then I realized what taking care of me entailed. I needed to get to the gym and to get out and walk. More importantly, I needed to make it part of my routine. For me… that was the self-care I needed. Not only for my physical well-being but for my mental health as well.
I think we can all agree that you’re no good to anyone else if you’re not healthy. It’s kind of like they tell you when you’re on a plane…if something happens put the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you are in a position to help someone else.
Going to the gym a few times each week is important for me. It is something that has become non-negotiable. Here’s how I make sure that this happens. I put it on my calendar! It’s an appointment just as I would schedule a doctors’ appointment. If you have an appointment and fail to show, the doctor’s office will charge you. So, take the appointment seriously. My workout classes show up as a recurring appointment on my calendar. Other than an extenuating circumstance, I go to the gym as planned. By the way, there are often extenuating circumstances so I have to be somewhat flexible but, again, I make this a priority.
The lesson here is definitely that self-care is important. The other lesson for me, as a Professional Organizer, is that having a schedule, putting something on the calendar makes it easier for those things that are important to actually happen. Putting things on the calendar is important because your brain is not meant to be your storage system. When you put something on a calendar, you’re turning a vague intention into a commitment with a place in time.
Putting something on your calendar:
• Reduces mental clutter. Instead of repeatedly thinking, “I need to remember to do that,” you can trust that it’s captured.
• Makes intentions real. “I should exercise more” is vague. “Walk Tuesday at 7 AM” is actionable.
• Protects your priorities. If something important isn’t scheduled, other demands tend to take its place.
• Prevents overcommitting. Seeing everything on one calendar makes it easier to recognize when you simply don’t have room for another obligation.
• Creates a cue to act. The calendar tells you not just what matters, but when you’re supposed to do it.
• Reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to continually decide when you’ll do something, the decision has already been made.
• Gives you permission to stop thinking about it. Once something is appropriately scheduled, you can let it leave your head until the calendar brings it back.
There is an important caveat: not everything belongs on the calendar. The most important things to schedule are commitments, appointments, important deadlines, routines and activities that you genuinely want to make time for.
A useful distinction is:
• A to-do list tells you what you want to do.
• A calendar tells you when you’re actually going to do it.
We all have calendars on our phones, computers, tablets, etc. It’s so easy to do and there’s literally no excuse as to why you wouldn’t put something important on the calendar.
For you, it may be something else or a few things that are non-negotiable. Put them in your calendar or somewhere where you will not forget. Make it a habit! Just do it! You will feel so much better.