5 Top Tips for dealing with a messy head

How often do you experience a ‘messy head’ or a cluttered mind? More often than you’d like, I’m sure. Then, as a business owner (and possibly a parent or partner), you end up with more than just your business thoughts on your mind, which in turn can make you feel overwhelmed and like you aren’t getting anywhere fast.

Try some of my tried and tested tips 😊

1. Write it down - You could use a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings, or you could just write down all those tasks that are at the forefront of your mind. You don’t have to make it neat, just get them out of your head. It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant they may seem – if they are in your head, they need organising. I sat in the car with a client on the way to a meeting recently, and whilst they were driving I asked them to tell me all the things they had in their mind at that time. By the end of the 30 minute journey, we had a long list of tasks/queries/concerns that we could then explore further.

2. The key is tiny actions – Focus on small, manageable tasks. Things that will enable you to feel a sense of achievement and build momentum. Just breaking down those bigger meaty items on your ‘To Do’ list can make them seem more manageable. Being able to cross lots of small things off your list will make you feel incredible.

3. Prioritise and simplify – Try not to let the ‘To Do’ list get too long. Start by identifying the most important or time-bound tasks. Be honest with yourself about what you have the skills to do. Sometimes not having the skills means we leave it on the list and it never gets done.

4. Think about whether technology can help you – There are many ways to automate tasks now. Do you have items in your workflow that you could automate? Perhaps social media scheduling, email organising and prioritising, email responses, back-ups, reminders, assigning tasks – the list is endless.

5. Connect with others – Have you ever asked others how they deal with these challenges? Networking or chatting with others can give you some great ideas.  Recently chatting with a friend about something as simple as business cards, QR codes, and how people use them gave me some great insights.

Remember, it can be really useful to ask others for help. For example, a Virtual Assistant is an ideal support. VAs will help you explore what’s cluttering your mind, work with you to understand what’s important and time-bound, and help you either put a plan in place to get it done, or they can do it for you. They’re also perfect for holding you to account and helping to make sure you keep moving forward!