|
Does it seem like there is never enough time in the day? Why is there
plenty of time for everyone and everything but ourselves? The fact
is that you only get one shot at this life so it is important to
spend it doing something you love. The good news is that you have
a choice, you can continue to go on being overwhelmed letting time
and life slip away, or you can make the time and start living the
life you really want. Yes, this is easier said than done, so here
are ten strategies, some old and some new, to help you gain control
over your time.
1. Become a problem free zone. Yes, problems happen
in life, and there are ways to proactively limit your exposure to
those problems. You can limit your exposure by creating strong boundaries,
developing reserves, and creating systems that will prevent future
problems. What are some systems that you can develop right now that
will prevent you from having problems in the future?
2. Create enriching free time. So often when we
do have free time we spend it on some mind numbing activity such
as TV. Devote some of your free time each week doing something that
really enriches your life. Do something that makes you feel fantastic
and blissed out. The rest of your week will get a big boost and you
will find that you are effortlessly getting things accomplished.
3. Be present. When you have committed to spend
the time, are you present? Or are you thinking about the other things
that you have to do? Often when we are at work we are thinking about
the things we have to do at home and when we are home we are thinking
about the things we have to do at work. As a result, we never focus
on what we are currently doing. This drains your energy because when
you are focused on feeling guilty you don't produce the results
you really want which leads to problems. Focus on what you are currently
doing and concentrate on putting in a 100% effort and you will see
strong results with fewer mistakes.
4. Set intentions for the day. Setting intentions
for the day is much different than having a to do list. Setting intentions
for the day involves clearly articulating what you want from that
day. Your intentions for the day could be anywhere from cleaning
out your desk to looking for and seeking out abundance from the day.
The key is focus, so do not set more than three intentions for the
day and center your activities around those intentions. This is much
lighter than a to-do list, which tends to drain your energy and can
keep you from feeling accomplished.
5. Develop healthy energy sources. Your body gets
energy from any source it can find regardless if it is negative or
positive energy. The difference is that negative energy sources leave
you feeling drained, discontented, and restless while positive energy
sources leave you feeling happy, peaceful, and energized. Which one
sounds better to you? Develop healthy energy sources by creating
reserves of time and money, by eating right and exercising, and doing
what makes you happy. Your day and your mood will feel much different
and you will go to bed with a feeling of peaceful satisfaction.
6. Say "no". We often cause our own time
problems because we cannot say no to requests. It is understandable
that you want to help people but why are you willing to sacrifice
your own well being by being over committed? If a request is going
to leave you feeling resentful, angry, or taken advantage of, definitely
say "no". You will feel a huge sense of relief.
7. Get rid of commitments. We often make commitments
that don't really add value to our goals, our vision, or our lives.
If you want to create more time in your life you have to start being
very selective about the activities in which you participate. Really
look at your current commitments and ask yourself, "Is this
how I want to spend my time? Does it make me feel good? Does it help
me move closer to my goals?"
8. Slow down. Rushing has become a way of life for
most of us. Even when we don't have to rush we still do. Have you
ever asked yourself, why am I rushing? Only to discover that there
was no reason at all. When you rush around you are not present in
your surroundings, you are often distracted and frazzled, which will
cause you to make mistakes and take up even more of your time. Become
aware of this adrenaline rushed feeling and make a conscious decision
to slow down. Slow your walk, slow down your speech, take a deep
breath, and do what it takes to mentally and physically slow down.
9. Under promise and over deliver. We have all heard
this phrase but do we actually do it? Part of our time pressure is
caused by over promising when we don't have to. Give yourself more
time to complete a project then you think you will need and deliver
it early. Your days will not feel as frantic, you will be getting
your energy from positive sources, you will do a better job, which
helps create your problem free zone, and you will feel good about
your accomplishments. This is a win/win for everyone.
10. Really understand that you control your time, not the
other way around. Most of us feel like we are victims to
time when in reality you control your time and how you utilize it.
Start utilizing it to your advantage by having it work for you.
Hopefully this has provided you with some ideas on creating more
time and using time to create a more fulfilling and enriched life.
Remember that you control your time, your space, your life, and that
it is your responsibility to create it on your own terms.
Jennifer Ottolino is a Personal Coach who works with individuals
to eliminate blocks to success. Jennifer helps people get the life
they know they desever but just quite managed to get. You can visit
her website at http://coachjen.com and discover articles, tips, and
strategies designed to enhance your life purpose. She also publishes
the weekly newsletter Little gems subscribe send an email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
?subject=subscribe';
document.write( '' );
document.write( addy_text21250 );
document.write( '<\/a>' );
//-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
