Interested In Having More Time?

What would it be like to end the day feeling exhilarated rather than exhausted?

You hear so much about time management, although; we have no control over time, the weather, other people, we can only control "ourselves". Just like the only person who can make you happy is YOU, the only person who can give you more time is YOU.

Years ago, when my daughters were graduating from high school, I was reflecting on how quickly time had passed and how precious each day. I decided to give them each a special clock. I gave one a delicate blue Wedge-wood clock and the other a vibrant Waterford crystal clock. I wanted them to remember just how precious time is and to value every moment. 

How do you remember to value your time?

I think to really value time you have to experience using it in different ways and really noticing your results. You're probably saying to yourself, I am organized, I work hard, how can I possibly find more time or give any more of myself?  It isn't so much about giving more of yourself, it is about maximizing the time that you have.  You only have twenty-four hours available to you each day, when it's gone . . . it's gone.

What would happen, if you looked at "time" as an opportunity to add "value" to your day? You could start by asking yourself questions like:

• What do I want to get done today?
• How can I make the most of every hour, every minute?
• I have fifteen or 50 minutes, what would be the best use my time?
• How can I make the most of the time that I have with my family?
• How is what I am focusing on right now helping me to accomplishing my goals today.

The million dollar question.

What activities are you allowing to steal your time? Those activities that keep you from adding value and satisfaction to your life. If you are tired of struggling to get it all done in a day, do a personal time study for a week, keep it real and just notice what your day is like and how you are spending your time.

Here is a guideline for a simple time log. One useful way to eliminate time stealers, is to use a time log. First create a chart for the next seven days divided into half hour intervals starting at the time you get up and finishing at the time you go to bed. Write down what you did in each half hour of the day for the next seven days.
At the end of the week review your time log and ask yourself the following questions:

• When could I have been even more productive?
• What time of day am I most productive and do my best work? There some people who are more energized and alert in the morning, while others concentrate best during the afternoon or evening. Schedule your most important tasks for these times of day.
• What patterns am I noticing?
• What activities energize me / or exhaust me?
• How could I maximize my time by combining everyday rituals. with other tasks. For example by taking a few extra minutes you are getting something else accomplished. These things may already be a natural fit and flow together. 
  • cleaning the bath room (before) or collecting laundry (after) your shower
  • Taking the trash out after you clean up from dinner
  • Walk the dog and get some  exercise
  • Prepare lunches before or after dinner.
• What are my time stealers?

This is a great exercise in personal awareness. I challenge you to place more value on your time, so that you feel exhilarated and  accomplished at the end of your day, ready to have fun and enjoy life!

Karen Wise, CPC
Life & Leadership Coach

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