Write it Down
After the first week of observing the mind and the thoughts that arise throughout the day one of the main comments are that many thoughts are in relations to tasks which need to be completed.
There are many ways to resolve this and the one I prefer is to work on my tasks for the week on a Sunday. I like to reflect on the week which has passed and see what worked well, what needs work and try different things.
You will know most of the tasks which need to be completed in the week. Once you write down all the tasks without worrying about priority or order. Just everything in your head. Write it all down and you'll be amazed how long the list can be.
Once the list is complete the next step is to start prioritising the list. I use Roman numerals but you can simply use numbers or colours if you prefer. Any system which works best with you. For this example, we can use a simple number system.
1: Urgent - High Priority
2: Important - High Priority
3: Need to Do - Medium Priority
4: Would be Great - Low Priority
5: Wish List - Try to start at least one of these tasks - Really Low Priority
Now start numbering your list - you might have to revise a few times. Once all the tasks are numbered - create 5 sheets or 5 columns grouped from 1 to 5.
Start working on:
Group 1 - Urgent High Priority. Use a diary to fit the tasks in your week. Start finding the days and times you can action. Write it down in your diary and if you haven't done so already create reminders in your phone or device.
Group 2 - Important High Priority. Same as Group 1, find the day and times you can action these tasks. These 2 Groups have to be actioned in the week. So you can tweak and adjust during the week but it will release your mind from the responsibility of having to remember. These first 2 groups will release a great amount of pressure from your mind and will assist your meditation during the week.
Group 3 - Need to Do Medium Priority. Now that you have a clear picture of how your week is looking you can begin finding the gaps. Start locking these tasks in as they still need to get done.
Group 4 and 5 - Would be Great and Wish List. The most important part of these groups is to not use them as a procrastination list. You can add them as tasks to be actioned before some of the higher priority tasks but only if that is because of timing. An example would be a high priority task need to be completed on Tuesday so you will work on a lower priority task on Monday.
Feel the anxiety and stress leave your mind once you start planning your week and writing it down. Continue meditating and observing your thoughts writing them down as you most likely see a change in the types of thoughts you are now thinking. They might be less task-orientated and deeper seeded.
Peace and Love
sienzuf