There is an old saying “Wearing too many hats” which means that you have too many things to do and to be at one time. In our busy, ever changing and complex world it is so easy to become overwhelmed with unrealistic expectations. Dr. James Dobson has said: “Overcommitment and exhaustion are the most insidious and pervasive marriage killers you will ever encounter as a couple.” That is also true for individuals as well. Jack Cornfield describes it this way, “When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another and ourselves.”

I used to take a couple of days once a year to stop and analyze my priorities and schedule. That does not work as well for me now, because things nowadays can change more quickly.I have leaned to ake more frequent but shorter periods of time to adapt and adjust my schedule throughout the year.This allows for more flexibility. Along the way, some important things that I am learning are…

1. Work smarter instead of just working harder. Some times we just need to look at better and more efficient ways we approach our tasks and responsibilities. Often the problem is not the real problem, the real problem may be how we view and approach it. We may be doing the right thing but just not the right way. Check out options, take time to think about them. Pray about them. Consult trusted friends who may have the best insight in your situation.

2. Let go of unrealistic expectations. Everything does not have to be “perfect” in our life to have a good life. In our culture, we tend to be obsessed by being the “best” in everything. Good luck with that attitude. We should “do our best”, but it is unreasonable to think we can be the best in everything.

3. Refocus on your priorities. Stephen Covey, the well respected leader in time management, states that “The key is not to prioritize what is on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities first.” This helps us keep our priorities the main thing and allows us to live more by priority instead of pressure.

4. Make the best of each day. Don’t be in such a hurry to get your “to do list” done that you do not take a little time to be thankful and enjoy the simple things that you have today and and…to wear one hat at a time.