Hi. Welcome to Bloom Anywhere. I'm Gwen Moran, a writer, editor, author, and problem-solver. My goal is to share information, ideas, and resources to help you overcome obstacles, reach your goals, and get more joy out of life, even when things are messy. Thanks for joining me. (If you got this from a friend, subscribe here: Bloom Anywhere.) I'd love your feedback and suggestions for future topics. Please send me an email: connect@bloomanywhere.com.
My approach to getting things done is a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster of methods. I mostly rely on time blocking, which helps me arrange my tasks around my most productive times and realistically plot out what I can get done during the day. However, some of my work is fluid and urgent. So, I also keep a to-do list to track tasks that need to be completed, which allows me to address an urgent task when it comes up and then move back to my time-blocked work. The list is segmented into client, personal, and administrative tasks.
Lately, each segment of my list has been getting long—too long. Many of the items that needed addressing were “tolerations.” Tolerations are the “small stuff” (and sometimes not-so-small stuff), including tasks, chores, and other items that need attention but aren’t so urgent that they must be addressed immediately. They may range from making a medical or repair appointment to picking up a new pet brush or organizing your closet.
Why You Need to Prioritize the Small Stuff Sometimes
Even though tolerations aren’t a matter of life and death, they pile up and can negatively impact daily life, affecting productivity, effectiveness, and energy levels. The late Thomas J. Leonard, founder of the International Coach Federation, is credited with coining the term.
So, occasionally, it’s important to set aside time to clear up tolerations. I wrote about how to do this roughly a decade ago for Fast Company, and it’s still a good list:
- Take stock of your current tolerations.
- Figure out what you can ditch altogether and cross off those tasks (probably more than you think).
- Schedule the fixes—whether it’s you or someone else.
- Review your list of tolerations regularly to keep them in check.
There’s a final point in the story that needs a little more emphasis. The recommendation in the piece is to look at the reasons why the tolerations are accumulating. How did this task end up being your responsibility to begin with? Sometimes, the answer is obvious. Adults are in a stage of life where lots of things need attention.
But, sometimes, it’s a sign that something else is wrong. As leadership coach Donna Schilder told me at the time, “Look at whether you have beliefs that are holding you in these tolerations. A belief example might be, ‘I’m supposed to help people,’ and that may be keeping you from giving people boundaries,” she says. Are you delegating enough? Are you delegating enough? Or is there an unequal division of labor in your home? Alternatively, is avoidance or procrastination allowing the list to get too long to begin with, making it harder to deal with or the issues thornier? In such cases, persistent tolerations may be signs of bigger-picture issues.
When I went through my tolerations this weekend, I found that hypervigilance and a persistent need to help had me taking on a few tasks that didn’t need to be on my list at that moment. (I don’t need to think about December holiday plans right now.) Avoidance made one issue more inconvenient—an item I needed for a home repair was sold out of one store, and I needed to travel to a store farther away. Minor issues, both. However, both indicate issues that may also affect other areas of my life. I’m also reviving a semi-weekly “toleration sweep” that I used to do (and had abandoned) to keep them in check.
Processes and Automation Can Help, Too
Simple habits and processes with a dash of automation can help reduce tolerations or allow more time to handle these tasks. For example, schedule automated bill paying for your credit cards, mortgage, utilities, and other bills. Put reminders in your calendar for tasks like changing heating, ventilation, and cooling filters or calling for recurring maintenance appointments.
In addition, I try to abide by the 2-minute rule: If a task takes less than 2 minutes—or if I can integrate it into what I’m already doing—I just do it. I make the next appointment when I leave a doctor's appointment. If I get a reminder to schedule a maintenance appointment, I take a moment and do it. Alternatively, if the “do it now” approach is too disruptive, try doing that toleration sweep regularly to batch them.
Tolerations can negatively affect our lives and may be a symptom of more substantial issues, so it’s a good idea to analyze and deal with them regularly. Doing so can reduce our mental load and allow more time to address more pressing tasks or those that help move us toward goals.
Have you noticed a pattern with your own tolerations? How do you manage them regularly? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me at connect@bloomanywhere.com.
Bloom Drops
Things I want to share with you.
Egging on: For some folks, dying eggs is a tradition this time of year. But the price of eggs may make that seem unnecessarily extravagant. Well, this food company has developed a solution that lets you dye…marshmallows. Whether you consider this option or not, you must admire the resourcefulness.
Giving back: April is National Volunteers Month. If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas for giving back, Create the Good® is a good place to start. (Disclaimer: I work with CTG and wholly believe it its mission.)
