Juggling Priorities Without Burnout
“Working hard and working smart sometimes can be two different things” ~Byron Dorgan
I don’t know if I speak for myself but, I wish juggling responsibilities without spiraling into burnout came with an instruction manual. Something that outlines, step-by-step, how I personally operate at my most effective. Because let’s be honest, between family obligations, relationships, work deadlines, and the everyday to-do list, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But what I’ve learned over the years is that juggling priorities isn’t just about managing tasks, it’s about managing your energy and protecting your peace of mind. Here are a few foundational habits I’ve found helpful over time, small changes that can lead to big shifts in how we manage each day.
Start with a list.
Writing things down gets them out of your head and onto paper. It helps you visualize what needs to be done and gives your mind room to focus. A planner or calendar, yes, even the paper kind, goes a long way. It’s not about being rigid, but it’s about giving yourself clarity and direction.
Then, prioritize.
Ask yourself what needs to happen today, and what can wait? If your list feels overwhelming, try what Brian Tracy called “eating the frog,” tackling your hardest task first. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives you a boost of accomplishment.
There’s also the 80/20 rule, focusing on the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of your results. You’ll feel more productive by doing a few important things well than by staying busy with low-value work.
5 Second Rule
And if you’re having trouble mentally getting yourself to do the hard things or even get started with the list, try Mel Robbins’s “5 Second Rule”. Her method involves counting down from 5 and then throwing your body into whatever action needs to take place. The idea here is to not let your mind or brain get lost in thought spirals and worry. Often, we overintellectualize things and can get stuck in our heads before we do anything. So, if you find yourself getting lost in negative thoughts about deciding to do something, for whatever reason or obstacle your brain makes up, try this new method. Combined, these strategies may help you feel less stressed and more focused on the things that matter to you!
Make Time
Once your list is prioritized and organized, block out your time making sure to include breaks and buffers. Without structure, your day can evaporate into distractions. Saying “I’ll do that later” is an easy excuse to not get it done. Try focusing on the task itself rather than the work being perfect. Again, sometimes turning your thinking brain off and simply starting the task can help you focus and accomplish more rather than worrying about all the conditions of the work itself.
Set realistic limits.
The other side of the sword may be running yourself into the ground by the end of the task or the day. Sometimes we get so distracted by work, we forget to eat, drink water, or take care of ourselves! Give yourself a reasonable time limit to complete each task and be realistic about the amount of work you can complete in a day or any given moment. If you think you can drop off the kids at school, attend two hour long zoom meetings, file taxes, and deep-clean the kitchen all before lunch, then you might be fooling yourself or worse, burning yourself out! Overscheduling/spreading yourself thin can lead to disappointment and exhaustion. Allow breathing room in your calendar for yourself and do not be afraid to move non-urgent tasks to another day. Remember that “Rome was not built in a day” and that taking mental and physical breaks are not a sign of weakness but are actually good for you.
Among your plethora of other responsibilities, try not to let financial planning fall through the cracks. Your finances may not feel urgent in the moment but neglecting them can create stress that drains your long-term energy and happiness. Similarly to organizing your task list, set aside time each week or month to review your budget, plan for upcoming purchases, and check in with your goals. Treat your finances like other essential tasks, because it paves the way for the future.
Protect Your Energy
Finally, with a long list of responsibilities, it is important to take breaks to protect your energy. Even the most productive person cannot run on empty. Find opportunities for micro-breaks throughout your day where you can stand up, stretch, and look away from the work you’re doing. Incorporate time to hydrate, eat, and sleep. These should be non-negotiable in your schedule.
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of repeatedly ignoring your fundamental needs. You may not be able to do everything, and that’s okay. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Juggling responsibilities is a skill that improves with dedication and practice. Plan smart, protect your energy, and give yourself grace along the way.
Marilyn Suey
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
marilyn.suey@diamondgroupwealthadvisors.com
Marilyn Suey is a Registered Representative with, and securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services offered through Mariner Independent Advisor Network, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor. The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors and Mariner Independent Advisor Network, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.CA Insurance License #0E01981
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification mark CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification mark.
Marilyn is the Founder and CEO of The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors. She is a nationally recognized Financial Educator, Author, Speaker, and Wealth Manager, who you may have seen on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX network affiliates and Yahoo News, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, Wall Street Select and others. Marilyn and her team at The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors have been showing business owners, healthcare professionals, and executives how to accumulate, preserve, and pass on their wealth for almost 20 years. Marilyn developed The Prosperity Blue Print , a five-step wealth planning process, that includes strategy for Wealth Accumulation, Wealth Preservation, and planning for your ideal retirement lifestyle. She founded the Savvy Women Community where she shares her wisdom and experience with like-minded women. She received an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Applied Math and Economics from UC Berkeley. To schedule your complimentary Lifestyle Upgrade Assessment, call: (925) 219-0080 or email; marilyn.suey@diamondgroupwealthadvisors.com
