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Sorting Through Brain Clutter

How to Figure Out What’s Most Important

Here’s something fun to try: write down three things on your mind right now. It could be something you need to do or something that’s bothering you. Next to each one, rate how important it is on a scale from 1 to 10. Ask yourself: Should I do it right now, or can it wait until later today, tomorrow, or next month?

Great! You’re learning how to figure out what’s most important and clearing the clutter in your brain. This will help you take control of your time and your life!

I used to feel like I wasn’t getting much done each day. I’d start doing one thing, then switch to something else before finishing. By the end of the day, I felt tired and frustrated. It was hard to sleep because I kept thinking about things I hadn’t finished. I realized I had to change something. The first thing I did was stop checking my email and texts all the
time. Instead of reacting to other people’s needs, I focused on my own. Now, I pause before responding so I can stay focused on what’s important to me. I’m not ignoring people; I’m just choosing when and how to respond.

To help me stay focused, I take two 10-minute breaks each day to think about what’s important. I look at my list of things to do and my calendar. I sit quietly and let my thoughts settle. This helps me decide what to do next without getting distracted. When I finish, I feel calm and ready to take action. Taking this time to reflect has been really
helpful. It gives me space to figure out what needs to be done now and what can wait. It’s a way of checking in with myself and my goals.

One of the best things I’ve learned is how to block out distractions. When I stopped checking my phone and emails all the time, I noticed how much more focused I became. Distractions like these can steal your time, so it’s important to take control of when and how you respond to them. Now, I only check my messages during set times of the day. This simple change has helped me feel less stressed and more productive.

A friend of mine, who is always juggling several projects at once, decided to take a break one afternoon and sit on her porch. She felt so peaceful watching the dragonflies zip by. It was a small moment of calm, but it made her feel refreshed. Dragonflies are known for symbolizing change, and sometimes, all it takes is a small break to allow a big shift in how we feel. Taking time to pause, even for just a few minutes, can help you clear your mind and refocus.

So, take charge of your time! Make a list of what’s important, rank the importance of each task, and allow yourself some time every day to process. By avoiding distractions and staying focused, you can take meaningful action on your goals. When you make space for quiet reflection, you’ll not only get more done, but you’ll also feel more in control of
your day.

Roz Applebaum
Roz Applebaum
Roz has a coaching practice designed for entrepreneurs in recovery from addiction and other disruptive life challenges. Her unique approach to combining recovery principals with the demands of entrepreneurship has proven to boost productivity and profitability for her clients. Roz enjoys her recovery and coaching business from Southern Maine, where she gratefully lives with her Yellow Labrador Retriever, climbs mountains, walks the beach daily, takes art classes and engages extensively with her community.

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