Managing time effectively is truly a modern day challenge. Whenever we have multiple schedules, activities, and commitments, it can feel like a small miracle to make it all work. I hear how many people are just living day to day, trying to figure out how to squeak by until tomorrow. Rather than simply coping, my hope is that we can begin to take a deliberate look at the way we manage our lives so we can begin to operate with choice and purpose rather than hanging on by our finger nails as the world rushes past.
The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.
– Stephen R. Covey
Red Flags
If you are less than enthused to get out of bed even, then we have our first indication that change is needed. There are other warning signs that let you know that your inbox comes at a cost. Over time, these symptoms become more disruptive because if you aren’t making the necessary changes, more drastic motivators are required. Do you struggle with any of these?
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Forgetfulness
• Frequently misplacing things
• Wanting to be left alone
• Having a hard time enjoying activities
• Easily frustrated or irritated. The urge to growl is increasing.
• Tired and worn out
• Procrastinating and unmotivated
• Frequently late
• Clumsy
• People telling you “You don’t look so good,” “I’m really worried about you,” or “Please stop biting me.”
• Compulsive eating or other ways to check out
• Frequent illnesses, break outs
• Headaches
An Honest Look
Rather than guessing what your average week looks like, take an objective look at how you are spending your time. Being more aware of how energy is invested can assist you in clarifying where changes might be possible. To do this, calculate how much time do you spend in each area: working, sleeping, running errands, completing chores, in the car, attending events for children, fulfilling outside commitments, spending unstructured time as a family, relaxing, spending alone time with your partner, spiritual activities, and participating in activities you enjoy.
Reminder of time we have to work with:
Hours in a week: 168
Minus 8 hrs for sleep per day: -56
Minus 40 hrs if you work full time -40
Total time for everything else: 72 hours!
When you look this over, what strikes you?
Develop An Action Plan
Now that you have an accurate account of how your time is being used, determine what changes to make with the following suggestions in mind:
- Develop a schedule that reflects priorities based on your values. What, deep down, is really important to you? In this case, there is no right or wrong. It is a personal reflection about what gives your life meaning. When you have a clear understanding of what these values are, it can serve as a compass that directs your decisions. For example, if having close connections with family is important, ensure that enough time is blocked off in a given week so that there is enough quantity time to ensure quality time can happen. When other opportunities surface, you look at the time remaining and consider other important values you’d like to include in your schedule.
2. Consider creative ways to utilize resources
Time: if you have a commute, how about enjoying a book you like on tape? If you have to wait while your child does gymnastics, how about taking that time to write up a grocery list or return phone calls so when s/he is done, you have time to be together?
Trading: babysitting, carpooling, play dates. If your kids are busy working on their relationships, perhaps you can have some time for you as well.
Shared responsibility: is there one individual who has a disproportionate amount of responsibility? Consider a more equal distribution. Good leaders are not those who do it all but rather know how to utilize the people around them and delegate as necessary.
B. Be deliberate. Procrastination is the sly thief that takes opportunities from you. Make a list of those things you want to get done for the day, ranking them by order of importance. When you mark an item off, take a moment to enjoy your success.
3. Gas Tank Philosophy: It is a common phenomenon in times of stress or struggle to turn our priorities upside down and alienate ourselves from the very things that can sustain us. We then operate out of deficiency, out of emptiness, rather than from a place of fullness and plenty. Some have told me that they feel guilty for taking time for themselves when there are others who need them. The reality is that we are very similar to cars in this regard. If we don’t take time to fill up the gas tank, a car won’t go anywhere. If we don’t take time to take care of ourselves, the mind and body become compromised as well.
4. Challenge the cultural belief that more is better. More is not always better- usually it is just more. More stress, more running around, more responsibility.
If I were to boil down the greatest assets for good time management that you have at your fingertips, it is balance and planning. Those small, seemingly innocent requests can quickly turn into a life that feels out of control. Remain conscious of the larger picture. Keeping your values and options in front of you, reminds you that you always retain power over your life.
For more ideas on time management strategies, come to the free seminar on
October 19th, 2010. Call for more details. 303.915-5597