Time Management
How Can You Get More Hours in Your Day?
Just kidding, that's not possible. Three hundred sixty-five days each year, seven days a week, and 24 hours daily.
That's it; we all get the same amount of time.
You can, however, manage how you use the hours in the day.
I used to chase and consume every bit of information on time management and morning routines. I spent more time learning about time management than actually getting stuff done. It was a constant source of frustration and a feeling of failure. Not because I had so much to do but because I needed to implement a plan.
How Do You Manage Your Time?
I have more time now than I've ever had. My kids are grown, I'm semi-retired, and I'm only responsible for my dog and myself. Yet, when raising my family and working full-time, I seemed to accomplish much more. Have you had that experience? The more you have to do, the more you get done. Why is that?
It's partly because of Parkinson's Law. Parkinson's Law is the adage that "work expands to fill the time allotted for completion." So when you have appointments, meals, work, and family responsibilities, you do the necessary things to meet those demands. I'm learning that the more free time I have, the more I need to be intentional with how I spend it.
Time is the Ultimate Commodity
Unlike money, you cannot earn more time. But just like money, you spend time. You invest time doing what you want to do. You spend time doing things you need to do. You spend time doing nothing. The key is that you get to choose how you spend your time.
Spend Your Time Wisely
Here are a few tips to help you spend time how you want. First, you have to plan. Write down everything you must or want to do for the week. Include work time, kids' activities, appointments, etc. Write down free time, exercise, hobbies, naps, or whatever you enjoy doing. Then, schedule everything on your calendar. Make a habit of doing this weekly.
The second tip is to set a timer. I like to do this for household chores. I am a slow mover, and tasks take longer when I get lost in my thoughts. Setting a timer creates a sense of urgency for me.
The next tip is to turn off distractions. I sometimes listen to a podcast while doing a mindless task; however, it takes longer than necessary because I get lost in my thoughts. See tip two;)
Lastly, create an abundance mindset about your time. How we think about time will impact how we spend it because we manage our time by managing our minds.
Abundance of Time Mindset
Does this sound familiar? I don't have time. I'm crazy busy. I need more hours in the day. I'll never get all of this done. I get things done for others but not for myself.
Our thoughts fuel our emotions. Our emotions drive our actions. Our actions get stuff done, creating the results we want. These types of thoughts will create a feeling of overwhelm or stress. Feeling overwhelmed or worried will not provide the emotional fuel to accomplish things.
Conversely, thinking I have enough time, I decide how to use my time, and I know what I need to do each day will create a feeling of confidence and determination. Can you feel how much more empowering these thoughts are? This thinking will drive the fuel to intentionally plan your days, weeks, and months.
Need more practical tips to help you create and implement a plan? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute session, and let's get you back on track and taking control of your life.