Stress Management Expert Jones Loflin Explains Why You Need to STOP More in 2017

Now that we’re in the second month of the year, many of us have been busy trying to achieve our New Year’s resolutions. And with new tasks added to our regular routine, it’s easy to feel like you have too much to do. However, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed often, then it’s time to use Jones Loflin’s STOP acronym.

Why You Need to STOP More in 2017

By Jones Loflin

Innovative Yet Practical Solutions

You can’t make a course correction when you won’t stop to look at the map.

We are barely three weeks into the new year, and I am already hearing so many people saying, “I have so much to do.” And while the holidays certainly gave us some much needed renewal of our energy to get things done, it won’t sustain us indefinitely.

One of the inherent dangers in having so much to do is that you don’t stop to determine what should or shouldn’t get done. You just tackle the task that is most convenient or enjoyable and work as long and as fast as possible, or focus on the task that is screaming the loudest for your attention. This approach is like bailing water from a leaking boat without figuring out how to fix the hole.

A better approach is to stop. Stop and evaluate that next task or series of activities to see if they are the best choices. And while you are stopped, use this STOP acronym to help you with your analysis:

Is It Strategic?

If most of your actions each day are reactive, reflect on why that is occurring. Are there problems brewing that you’re too busy to see and deal with before they become major distractions? Are you failing to build at least 15 minutes of time in your day to look forward and plan proactive steps toward reaching your goals?

Is It Timely?

For many of your daily tasks there are optimum times for you to undertake the task based on your level of energy, people available (or waiting on you), and consequences if you don’t finish it now.

Is It An Opportunity Best Suited For Someone Else?

The greatest gains to be made in your productivity are often when you choose to have someone else complete all or part of a task. If you don’t have a team to share the load, consider using sites like guru.com to hire experts to help with various projects. And don’t just think delegation of work tasks. Reflect on those activities at home you might hire, train, or ask someone else to do.

Will It Make Me Proud?

Each night I reflect on my day and how I feel about what I accomplished. If I’ve gotten the right things done, I notice a strong feeling of satisfaction. If not, I think about what I should do differently tomorrow. As you think about your next choice of action, is it one that you’ll reflect on at the end of the day and feel a sense of pride? If not, and you have the power to choose, make a different one.

How would stopping help you have a more productive day?

Jones Loflin is a global keynote speaker on innovative yet practical workplace challenges and opportunities specific to the critical needs in today’s marketplace. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning, Juggling Elephants. Jones is a leader in solutions for individuals, groups and businesses dealing with lack of engagement, satisfaction and retention and all the tools to support balanced, productive lives.

For more information on booking keynote speaker, Jones Loflin, for one of your events, check out www.eaglestalent.com or call our office at 1.800.345.5607.