Where O Where has My Productivity Gone?

Similar to the dog days of summer, I can't seem to get anything accomplished right now.  I feel as if I have 50 pound weights on my legs. I have contacts I need to make, projects I need to undertake, but my momentum is gone at the moment. I feel deflated and unable to bounce back to a more productive state. I'm at a loss over how I can fit in everything I need to do.

Do you ever feel like that?

When I get in this state of mind I know I need to coach myself. Therefore, I invite you to an open door coaching session. With me. For me. Which is inherently self-centered and a tad neurotic, but perhaps you can relate.

Self- Coaching Session

Me: So, I'm frustrated because I can't get off the ground on several projects.  I fantasize about going away for a night or two, just to immerse myself in work for long chunks of time, but I know that's not realistic.

Coach Me: You sound pretty discouraged and immobilized right now.

Me: Yup.

Coach Me: Well, I'm betting that these projects of which you speak are quite large in nature.

Me: How'd you know?!

Coach Me: Because we're one in the same.

Me: Oh, right.

Coach Me: So, these large projects are going to be overwhelming and very daunting until you break them down incrementally, something you don't automatically think to do as a big picture type person.

Me: True.

Coach Me: Instead of focusing on something you can't control, such as erratic schedules, disruptions, and a lack of large, uninterrupted windows of time, focus on what you can do.  Concentrate on breaking down reasonable projects into small, five to 10 minute pieces.  Consider postponing the big projects that can't be broken down easily. Focus on the ones that are doable given your working-from-home circumstances.

After all, you wouldn't ask your four year-old to eat a big old hunk of meat without first cutting it into bite-size pieces would you?

Me: No Ma'am.

Coach Me: Exactly.  So cut up your projects into manageable portions, and you'll see how doable the work becomes. You just need a couple of small, incremental victories each day to make you feel like you are making headway.

Me: True.

Coach Me: But in order to make these victories happen, you'll have to carve out those bite-size portions in your day. They should be compatible with your schedule and become a regular fixture on your calendar. Ensure these chunks of time are a priority, with very few exceptions! If they're not carved out and protected as dedicated work time, they'll disappear.

Me: Hmmm... good idea.  Why didn't I think of that?  It's so simple!

Coach Me: You kind of did.

Me: Oh, right.

Coach Me: Lastly, if you expect yourself to accomplish a two to three hour project in 15 minutes- -while simultaneously making dinner, walking the dog and doing laundry- you're setting yourself up for major disappointment and a sense of failure.

Me: Yes managing expectations, that's a big one isn't it?  But it's much easier said than done.

Coach Me: Well, My Dear, that's why you have me to help you.

Me:  Okay, now you're getting kind of cocky, aren't you?

Coach Me: I think this session is over.