Setting The Elephant Aside

While the idea of "juggling elephants" is an overwhelming thought, setting the elephant aside is not the answer to the problem either. When you attempt to put it out of sight, it either grows in size (in the case of a project at work), increases in urgency (like a task with a deadline) or, pardon the analogy, withers away (consider building or rebuilding a relationship). You recognized it as an elephant because it is "big" for you, so why would you not want to tackle it in some way.

The next time you are tempted to set your elephant aside, remind yourself of the consequences of doing so. As the old saying goes, the pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces. The pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons.

Intermission Time?

"Dazed, confused, stressed, overwhelmed, numb, disconnected and burned out." These could describe how you are currently feeling at work or in your life and indicate that it is time for you to take an intermission. AND, it could also describe how you are feeling while you are actually taking an intermission or vacation.

Have you ever needed a vacation from your vacation? Take this into consideration as you plan your next getaway. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Before you plan your next vacation, consider what type of vacation you need. Are you ready for an adventure and to explore new places until you drop? Or do you need a vacation that is full of relaxing, reflection and rest?
  
• If you are planning on an "adventure" type of vacation, schedule in some time to relax and catch up on your sleep. Pace yourself. Your vacation will be more enjoyable if you get some rest and your recovery time will be quicker as well.
  
• An intermission doesn't need to be long nor does it need to be complex. Keeping your plans "local" and "simple" can be the better vacation that you enjoy.
  
• Schedule an extra day or two to unwind from a vacation at home. Take the time to get caught up on your mail, messages, laundry and plan for your return to "real life."

An intermission is an important part of your circus. Make sure you take full advantage of this time so that you will be ready for the next "Act."

Purpose Endures

As early as 1863 graves of those who had died fighting in the US Civil War were being decorated by family members. The ritual continued for over one hundred years before being officially being named Memorial Day.

It never fails-when people are passionate about their principles (purpose), a lasting impact is made. Lives are changed. Nations are born. Ideas become reality.

If you live in the US, let this day be one that you think about your own principles as you reflect on those who were willing to die to uphold those of our country. Purpose endures.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

I took several computer programming classes in college. For me, the most frustrating thing was to carefully write a piece of code only to find that there were errors or that it wouldn't run correctly. When I would be unsuccessful on an assignment, I had one professor that would always say, "You put garbage in, you get garbage out!"

Our brain is similar to computers in this way. What are you putting into your brain on a regular basis? Are you putting in positive thoughts that motivate you? Are you reading up on the latest strategies that will help you to reach new heights in your job or profession? Are you nourishing your brain with what it needs to bring you positive success? Take a moment and consider what you are feeding your brain with. Don't get stagnant. Beware of harmful ideas or inappropriate thoughts. It was Earl Nightingale that said, "We become what we think about."

Garbage in, garbage out. Yikes!

Giving People A Visual At ASTD

Exhibiting at the ASTD Conference in Orlando is always a fantastic opportunity to engage with our current client base and get new opportunities to share the message of Juggling Elephants. One of the most telling moments is how people identify with the phrase "juggling elephants" in so many different ways. Here are some of their initial comments when they walk up to our booth:

• "Hey! That's my job description."
• "That describes my life situation perfectly."
• "My people feel like that."
• "...And last week one of the elephants fell on me."
• "Isn't that the new norm in the workplace?"

Pictures or visuals shared in an analogy give us the opportunity to emotionally connect to an issue or challenge in a fresh and less threatening way and then to look at possible solutions. We are thankful for the chance to help others look at their struggle of "too much to do" in a new light, and to begin making changes that will help them get more "standing ovations" in their circus.