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Leftovers, Again?

I'll admit it - I'm not a fan of leftovers. (Yuck.) Even if last night's meal was delicious, the next day - it's dead to me. I'm talking casseroles, lasagna, ribs, duck al' orange, and even pizza. I rarely enjoy a meal the second time around. I realize that this isn't necessarily practical. It's hard to prepare a meal with laser-like precision. And who can walk out of the Sizzler empty handed? (Other than my sister, the vegetarian.) Nope. I don't know what it is, but I can't learn to love leftovers.

Maybe it's because I feel that too many times we serve up leftovers in our personal and professional lives. (Silver foil swan optional.) Most of us are extremely busy, trying to manage an ever-expanding array of tasks, commitments, and activities. We expend copious amounts of energy along the way, draining our tanks. By the time we collapse in the evening, we're beat, thank you very much.

Here's where the problem sets in: Despite our best efforts, there are still important people and goals in our lives that are only getting what we've got left over. We serve up leftovers to our loved ones, our friends, and our communities. We prioritize those things that scream the loudest for our immediate attention, and we're shocked at how little time is left for the more meaningful areas of our lives. When we're pressed this way, out come the leftovers. (And without the cranberry relish.)

Are your time and efforts being spent commensurate with your true priorities, or have you unconsciously lost a bit of control along the way? Here's a quick exercise to help you find out for sure. Start by taking out a sheet of paper and drawing a line down the middle. Now:

Step 1: On the left hand side, write down 5 important life goals. What do you value in life? Where are you headed? What do you want to accomplish? It doesn't matter if these are related to travel and adventure, financial security, relationships, or health and wellness. What do you want your future to look like?

Step 2: On the right hand side, write down where your time is actually going today. Think of your typical week. How much time do you spend engaging in common activities such as work, school, sleep, exercise, household chores, time with the family, watching television, having lunch with Ellen Degeneres, reading for entertainment, reading for self-improvement, planning for the future, stiffing Ellen Degeneres with the bill, volunteering your time, and the like?

Step 3: Compare the two lists. How many times do the items on the left side appear on the right side?

Here's the million dollar question: Are you treating your important personal goals as main courses or as leftovers?

Before I go any further, if your lists seem a bit out of kilter - don't fret! Even if you're only spending 10 minutes a week pursuing a personal goal, that's a great start. This exercise is not an invitation to a pity party or a one-way ticket on a guilt trip. (Anyone else have a lame analogy? I'm fresh out.) Above all, this is an exercise in personal awareness.

Using this type of exercise and introspection, you can increase your understanding of where your time is going. You can increase your control over your behavior and the outcomes of your efforts. The best news is that you can increase your life satisfaction in the process! And how great is that? (Better than week-old spaghetti, that's how great!)

The point is that you can make better, more informed choices. Even a small change in the right direction amounts to big progress. I'm not suggesting that you go overboard. Quitting your job because you now realize that you haven't been spending as much time working out as you'd like would be like having a seven-course meal for breakfast. Ease into things and feel great about your progress.

If you can increase your awareness of the leftovers in your life, you can ensure that you're giving the most important things in life - the goals and people that matter most to you - the attention they deserve. With this type of improved awareness over time, you'll be able to serve up the best you have to offer. And without the cranberry relish.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to clean out my fridge. (Wish me luck.)

Coaching Quickie: Leftovers, Again?

Check back next week for results!

Last Week's Results

Coaching Quickie: Snow Business
With regards to your personal goal pursuits, how much are you sharing with others?

(33%) I'm all in - I'm barreling down on my big life goals.
(11%) I'm about to jump - Just got a few last things to work out.
(56%) I'm still in starter's blocks - I think I know where to go, but I need to get going.
(0%) I'm on the bench - If there is a game, I'm not in it.