5 Tactics to Increase Productivity When You Don’t Know the “Whole Story”

I see lots of dogs walking their owners when I’m out exercising. I enjoy seeing the variety of dogs: large, small, excited, mellow, etc.

Recently, I was striding up a hill when I noticed that the person cresting the hill had a leash. Yet, I couldn’t see a dog.

As I continued up the hill, I saw a small curled tail. Then I saw its’ head. And finally the whole dog.

This made me consider that at times, we see only a small part of something and without additional information, we assume we know the “whole picture,” and we proceed accordingly.

Examples might include:

• a mole on your arm is skin cancer
• memory issues are the beginning of dementia
• getting a stomach bug after trying a new food means you’re allergic to it
• a lump equals cancer
• feeling extra tired for an extended period of time is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While these scenarios could be true, panic isn’t helpful – at least not until you’ve had a doctor’s appointment and possibly some testing. 😊 It’s also not useful to consult Dr. Google. Like my Mom’s primary care physician once said, “Dr. Google has lots of information, but Dr. Google doesn’t know everything.” I’m not saying not to do any research, I’m just suggesting that you limit the amount of time and the number of sources.

More effective and efficient activities include:

1. Make a doctor’s appointment. Depending on your insurance, you may be required to see your primary care first. When you can schedule directly with a specialist, there is often a long wait. Consider asking if there’s an earlier appointment with a Physicians Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Ask if there is a wait list you can be on in case there’s a cancellation. If the practice doesn’t have a wait list, call periodically to ask about cancellations.
2. Recalibrate your calendar. You can’t just add new appointments and tasks to your schedule, without deleting or shifting what’s already there. Difficult but true.
3. Determine your note-taking strategy. There are so many choices. Check Resources Other Than Your Brain That You Can Use to Retain Information for some ideas.
4. Create a calm space. When life’s moving 1,000 miles per minute, you need at least one quiet place where you can spend a few minutes. You decide where it is, how it looks/feels/smells, and how long you’ll spend there.
5. Practice self-care. Yes, I know you feel like you don’t have time for self-care. In reality, you don’t have time not to take care of yourself, even if it’s just getting adequate sleep and hydration. Check out Why Your Self-Care is Missing the Mark (And How You Can Fix It) to discover new self-care strategies.

Feel like you could use some extra support after you’ve received a new or changed medical diagnosis?

You don’t have to go through it alone! I partner with ambitious people in the midst of  life-altering circumstances to achieve calm and control so they can live their life again.

Are you ready to feel focused and on top of things?

Great! Let’s schedule a no-obligation exploratory call to see how I can help you make that happen.