Do you try to find time, make
time, get time, buy time, squeeze more time into your day? Do you wonder how
you'll get everything you need to done, in any given day? Do you suffer from
"time-deficit disorder?" Is managing time a mystery to you? Well, you
certainly aren't alone. Many people find their relationship to time a
challenge. A vexing challenge. Many of us are walking
around stressed and/or overwhelmed much of the time. There are no simple
answers to creating space and time in your life. That said,
you may want to try some of these suggestions as way to navigate through the
time of your life.
1. You can't manage time, but you can manage yourself and
the choices you make with regard to time.
Does
the way you use time reflect your priorities? Become aware of how you are using
your time. Get a snapshot of how the 24 hours you have each day is being used.
Create some sort of time log to get a clear picture of how the time you have
each day is being used. Once you have this awareness and information, compare
it to what you value in your life. Is how you are currently using your time in
alignment with what is REALLY important to you?
2. Ask yourself: What's your desired outcome?
When
overwhelmed or over committed, ask yourself: What's your desired outcome?
What's the next action? If nothing else gets done today, what are the one or
two items that absolutely MUST be done? Have you fallen into the trap of
believing that you have to do everything today? Take time to plan and
prioritize.
3. Know what your personal rhythms are.
Do
your most difficult tasks when you are at your personal best. Perform less
demanding work at the time of day when you are most likely to be in a slump.
4. Separate tasks that can be done quickly and effortlessly
in one day from projects that are long term and will take more time to
complete.
With
your "to-do" list, separate tasks that can be done quickly and
effortlessly today, from the projects that are long term. Don't confuse the
two. Doing laundry can be completed in a day, while renovating the house can't.
5. Give yourself a sense of winning/accomplishment each day.
Have
a doable goal for each day or week and do it. Completing things makes us feel
like we are moving forward in our lives. There is a calming satisfaction when
we complete an activity or project.
6. Learn to say no.
Become
aware of when you are taking on too much. Learn to value your time. You have 24
hours in day, how do YOU want to use the time?
7. Try taking time outs.
Build
in short times during the day to take a step back and catch your breath. Get
off automatic pilot and become aware. Once you ground yourself in the present
moment, you'll find you'll make better decisions because you've stopped long
enough to hear what your inner wisdom is trying to tell you.
8. Make appointments with yourself.
If
you have a big project that you need to start, set aside time for it and write
it in your calendar. Create building blocks of time that will support you in
completing a big project. For example, half an hour a day adds up when working
on a larger project. Schedule in time to focus on what you want to achieve.
9. Procrastination is an energy drain.
Time
you could spend tackling the project you are avoiding is being spent worrying
about not doing the project or feeling guilty about not doing the work.
Procrastinating can also create a crisis or problem. Try to handle things
before they become fires that need to be put out.
10. Make caring for yourself a high priority.
For
example, if you need eight hours of sleep a night, get them. You will function
better. Just as your car will not function properly without sufficient gas,
your body will not function well without enough fuel. The better you care for
yourself, the more you'll have to give to others.
This piece was originally submitted by Lea
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