3 Ways to Get Right Back Into the Game

I recently returned from a three-day business workshop that was designed to help women entrepreneurs break through success and money barriers.

It was informative, emotional and healing but it was also a bit of a marathon, going from early in the morning until late into the night.

I enjoy these kinds of events especially because I'm committed to my personal development and self-growth. I love to immerse myself in new ways of thinking, bond with other women and meet fellow entrepreneurs.

I find the experiences fulfilling and inspiring but then I have to come home. This time, my re-entry was hard.

Not so much emotionally, which is often the case, but physically. I typically drag my feet, not wanting to jump back into my life. But this time was different. I was just physically exhausted.

Coming home and diving back into my life was more about returning to my normal rhythm and routines when all I wanted to do was sleep.

And life -- as it does -- was hurtling along. In addition to my work obligations, I had many family ones too. And before I knew it, I was feeling utterly overwhelmed.

So I took a step back and recalibrated my to-do List.

1.Look Hard At The Week Ahead

When I looked at my appointments and tasks, I immediately began prioritizing and had to genuinely reassess what I could do and what I wanted to do. This meant postponing deadlines and changing appointments that I could easily alter.

I needed to be honest with myself about what I could sensibly and sanely get done.

2.Release that Judgment!

Doing the above step was about choosing NOT to feel crazed and insane. I really don't like it when I have to change an appointment or modify a due date and yet, I also want to be realistic about my time, energy and commitments.

Sometimes something has to give.

In years past, that was always me. I sacrificed my peace of mind or physical health to get everything done. Now I realize that some things can be modified and it really isn't a big deal.

See if when you make changes, you can do it without 'shoulding' yourself or scolding yourself for not being perfect.

3.Honor YOU First

Many of us are givers. We freely and lovingly take care of those around us because we enjoy it and it's fulfilling. Sometimes, givers can fall into resentment, particularly when we forget to honor ourselves.

For givers, taking care of us can be really hard because it's easy to interpret self-care as being selfish. Yet, this couldn't be farther from the truth!

One of my teachers used to frequently use the analogy of a water pitcher. In order to give to others, the pitcher must be full and the pitcher (which is you) can only get filled through self-care, taking care of you.

When I came home on Thursday morning, having just arrived on a red eye, my body was shaking. I needed to carve out some time to both physically rest as well as mentally, emotionally and spiritually process the event I had attended.

Even when we make plans and think we've factored in all the down time we need, we may just find that life has thrown us a few unforeseen snags. So, just like these unexpected commitments, we need to modify accordingly and shift around our schedule so that we can still take care of us.

Knowing how to prioritize and being sincere when you do need to cancel or postpone can be freeing. After all, we're human. Every person can understand feeling over-extended or stressed.

By being honest, you may also be helping the next person to do the same.

Shakti Sutriasa is the Founder of DecideDifferently.com, offering life coaching, counseling and workshops that combine modern psychology and spirituality. Shakti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has an MA in Education. To learn more Click Here