I began Monday so organized:  Up at 5 am with a clear vision for the week ahead.  But by Thursday morning, I realized I'd been busy all week, but most of the vision was still on my to-do list.  Even as a life coach, I have my days when I need a dose of my own advice.  :) Have you ever had a week when you were busy doing stuff, just not the stuff that needs to get done?  It is a frustrating feeling, and if you don't notice it while it is happening, you can create a backlog of projects on your to-do list.  Perhaps it describes how you feel right now.
 
Fortunately, I finished my week on a productive high note by using some practical coaching strategies.  This week, I'd like to share them with you.  As I discuss in my latest book, How Did I Get So Busy?, there is a big difference between being fruitful and productive, and being busy.  When you're busy, you are doing a lot, but not a lot of what actually needs to get done!  The keys to getting unstuck when you are in a rut of not being productive are:
 
1.      Admit that you're stuck.
Acknowledge your stagnancy.  Until you notice and acknowledge that something's not working, there is no problem to fix.  So rather than continuing to sit at your desk as though you're getting something done or pretending that the clutter you're clearing is something more than a procrastination ploy, be honest.  When you acknowledge that you're having trouble focusing, you can finally address the issue.
 
2.      Breathe.
Take a break from your environment or just step away for a moment to regain perspective.  Identify and state where you want to refocus your energy.  Remember that words are powerful, so say out loud what you intend to do and why it is so important to you.  This intentional change in your thoughts can lead to more productive actions.
 
3.      Coach yourself by asking three, critical questions: