How do I do it all? I don’t.

Like most other women I know, I’m busy. Between working full time, running a business part-time, doing this blog, taking care of my family and home, studying for my fitness certifications, and trying to take care of myself, too — let’s face it, it’s hard to keep up.

I’m a list maker and Post-it lover, and that helps in terms of organizing. However, it can also be a source of stress to see a long list of what needs doing, knowing it’s hopelessly unrealistic to be able to get it all done.

This used to stress me out a lot, and sometimes still does. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not going to be able to get it all done…at least not in the timeframe I might like. And frankly, I’m weary of trying to keep up.

Maybe we just have to accept that we can’t do it all.

I’ve been doing some thinking lately about how to alleviate the daily overload. Some strategies I’m implementing include:

• Say “no” more
• Turn down additional work if I should, even if it means losing money
• Be far more selective about the projects and clients I do take on
• Be realistic about what I can accomplish
• Refocus on the goals that are most important to me
• Prioritize ruthlessly — decide what must be done today. Does a task actually have to be done right now, or is it just that I’d like it to be done?
• Realize that some things on my to-do list will need to be late, or simply may not get done right now
• Release guilt about not being able to keep up
• Stop comparing myself to others
• Let it go
• Delegate
• And most of all, I need to pare down my list. Life it too short to spend it just trying to keep up!

One activity I refuse to compromise on, however, is my daily workout. It’s non-negotiable, just like getting up or going to work. But how do I ensure that I can fit that in, with everything else going on in my life? By scheduling my workout for 5:30 every weekday morning. It’s simple, really: I do it first, and get it done. No matter what else the day throws at me, my workout is finished. Working out early, at a set time every day, has been a crucial key to my success at fitness and weight loss and to my physical and emotional well-being.

How do you keep up with your commitments? Do you try to “do it all,” or have you given up on this notion? Please share your thoughts and strategies in the comments!