In my monthly coaching meeting of women business owners today I learned about a book by Sarano Kelly called The Game, Win Your Life in 90 Days.

On his website he talks about "A" Activities - those activities that are most important but which we have no time. Things like:

Dating our significant other
Quality time with our kids
Time for religious studies and reflection
Exercise

These are all critical things in our life but we allow them to get systematically pushed to the background in favor of the busy-ness of our daily lives.

One of the members of my monthly group has signed up for the 90 day program and one of the lessons she's learned that has been most beneficial is called "Mind Dumping." Similar to brain dumping, it is the process of putting down everything that is on your brain that you need/want to do. Then assign a number of importance:

1's get done right away and take priority
2's get done soon after or delegated
3's/4's are less critical and if you find they are on your list week after week should just be eliminated. Forgive yourself for not doing them, give your self permission to cross them off your list.

I have been known to brain dump but rarely do I allow myself to cross off the things that weigh on my mind and yet have no real importance in my life - I call them "The Shoulds."

I should hand write letters to family members.
I should volunteer at the local (fill in the blank).
I should alphabetize my music collection.

I am sure you have your own list of "shoulds." It's Friday - a jam-packed week of commitments, activities and tasks and more scheduled for next.

How about thinking about one of the "shoulds" that you allow to weigh on your shoulders and just CROSS IT OFF your list. Enjoy the weekend!