By Dr. Courtnye Nichole
One way God speaks to me is through other people. Since I’ve heard the same message three times within the past week, I think someone in heaven is definitely trying to get my attention! Once at church, once on Kerry Shook and again this morning at a conference. Although the latter was centered around prioritizing life based on work and gardening (yes, I said gardening) not spirituality it still hit home for me. I can only hope no one else noticed that luminous glow a top my curly hair when someone switched the lights on and that light-bulb shined accordingly! As Oprah would exclaim, I had an “A Ha moment”.
The messages were all very different, but had one central point, the importance of prioritizing in your life. I’ve heard before that if we try to do everything, we usually wind up accomplishing nothing. As I ventured back to my hotel room after the last conference session I came to the conclusion that I had been accomplishing little to nothing because I was trying to do so much in many aspects of my life.
I don’t have the issue of not being able to say no like others, it’s that I have the Superwoman Syndrome. I literally want to do it all! Even though my plate is already filled to capacity, I find myself taking on new ventures with friends or colleagues. I’m wanting to start a not-for-profit, develop another business, pursue a new class, write new blog post, volunteer for the new ministry, start a new ____________ (insert activity, any activity here). I’ve had so many people look at me and ask if I was crazy or tell me that I need to slow down and focus on one thing.
But in true superwoman syndrome fashion my thinking was screw that, I'm doing it all!!
I'm in no way saying that we shouldn’t take on multiple task or endeavors because in this day and age it’s difficult not to. But focusing on one thing at a time has its perks, the main one being not driving you to drink or crazy! Even if you do have a lot to accomplish, by giving your all to one thing at a time you will probably end up with a much higher return on investment. This is especially important since you’re investing one of the most valuable things you own, your time! Here are five invaluable steps you need to take if you suffer from the Superwoman Syndrome:
1. Prune, Prune, Prune: Cut away any fruitless activities that aren't serving you or your future goals. These are things that are time wasters such as giving into procrastination or spending countless hours on non business related social media.
2. Finish what you can: Finish off what you can so that you will be able to focus on the most important things. Don't drop any current projects that you've committed to as your word is on the line.
3. Delegate: When possible delegate, if you have the means and need for an assistant then by all means do so. If you can't work in a cluttered house, but have no time to tidy up hire a cleaning service if it's financially feasible or get your children involved.
4. Be selective: How you commit your time today impacts your tomorrow, be extremely selective about how you spend that irreplaceable gift.
5. Say later or say no: If you are anything like me, you have the desire to do it all but not the time. While you are in the pruning and finishing process refrain from taking on new tasks until you have some things off of your plate.
Your ultimate goal is to reap the rewards of a job well done, not half done! What needs pruning in your life?
About Courtnye:
Dr. Courtnye Nichole is an educator, doctor and entrepreneur. She began writing at a young age and hasn't stopped since. She is the owner and creative visionary for Becoming His Ministries and Investing In sisters.com. For more information, visit and connect with Courtnye on the Investing In sisters website.