Discipline or rigidity? 4 tips to help you solve it

Planning is the key to finding time to do everything. In fact, if you don’t plan it, you will find yourself at sea. And around you will be a floating variety of tasks, priorities and dreams. They will look random and chaotic, floating on the ocean waves.

So if planning is your key, how do you do it?

Focus and flexibility

Well, for starters, planning requires concentration and flexibility. I emphasize flexibility because very often when we develop plans, our attitude is that we must stick with them no matter what. But that is actually not true. Life just doesn’t lend itself to that.

There is a world of difference between disciplined tracking and rigidity. Think about how you feel when you encounter someone else’s rigid response to a change. Sparks fly? Did you boil inside? Do you feel answered or rejected?

Plans and priorities

That’s what happens when your PLAN becomes your priority… instead of what your priority was about to start with. When you move into stiffness, you become so committed to your PLAN that you let other parts of your life suffer. Relationships can be the first victim.

So how do you learn to distinguish between when you are focused but flexible and when you are being rigid in your daily life?

Counting the difference

Use your judgment: Follow-up builds trust and is very important. However, monitoring “no matter what” means that you are not really taking responsibility for exercising your judgment and making adult decisions. Sometimes circumstances DO interfere with our plans. That is a reality of human life.

So being realistic about your planning and allowing for flexible timing can leave room for the unexpected and actually PROTECT the flow of your day!

Pay attention to feelings: When you feel stiff, see it as a red flag. It is telling you that you are trying to focus but have lost your balance. This can happen to anyone! When you notice this happening, take a deep breath and step back. Ask yourself …

• “What are my core commitments?”
• “How can I adjust to what is happening right now?”
• “Is there anything I can let go of right now?”

Maybe you will change things; and maybe you won’t. The important thing is to check with yourself and own your choice. The red flag helps you pause and readjust your perspective.

Develop skills: Focus and flexibility are skills you develop, and as you do so, you will find that self-reference is one of your best allies. Keep checking with yourself to find your balance. You’ll feel more and more comfortable and agile, as you navigate your day by flexing here and standing there.

Reflect on the results: Do not do this with a critical eye, but with friendly objectivity. This allows you to take advantage of their experience and deepen your confidence in yourself and your judgment.

Is it easy for you to feel balanced when it comes to focus and flexibility? Or do you resort to rigidity to maintain your limits and get things done? Ready to try something different? I’d love to hear your experiences with this whole area … and what you think!

Let’s explore time together …