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.
About The Author
Jen Ottolino is a Personal Coach who works with individuals to eliminate blocks to success. She partners with people to actively attract the life they know they deserve, but haven't quite managed to achieve. 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 bite sized weekly newsletter Little gems to subscribe send an email http://coachjen.com.
cleaning team near Winnetka ..Do you manage your time or does your time manage... Read More
Time management consultant Stephen Young claims that the average time... Read More
As a home-based, self-employed woman, mundane tasks can be as... Read More
Time - it is the one thing that we are... Read More
How many people do you know who are so busy... Read More
Most of us know how to manage our time. It... Read More
A simple kitchen gadget is transforming my life. I don't... Read More
It is common knowledge that creating and living according to... Read More
Procrastination, the habit of putting tasks off to the last... Read More
"Time is what we need the most and what we... Read More
One of the most challenging aspect in life is time... Read More
Years ago clients would tell me they could not identify... Read More
When you decide to become self-employed, you automatically become the... Read More
I have a habit of sending a thank you letter... Read More
Here's a smart system for doubling or tripling your daily... Read More
Reflect on the rewards of kicking the procrastination habit. They... Read More
Setting goals is the easy part -- but sticking with... Read More
How do you eat two elephants? The same way you... Read More
Friends, colleagues, and clients are all telling me that one... Read More
At Home? Keep related items together, for example the coffee... Read More
As I sit here in front of the computer... Read More
If you can motivate yourself at will to get any... Read More
I've divided my tips into two sections - 5 ways... Read More
The concept of Mercury Retrograde is very well known even... Read More
Increased productivity, the ability to get more value for our... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..When a good friend asked me to contribute a little... Read More
"Time management" is a myth. Time ticks by, whether you... Read More
Almost everyone in business knows the balancing act between the... Read More
The concept of Mercury Retrograde is very well known even... Read More
Want to improve your time management?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More
Last week I had the privilege of spending some quality... Read More
If you can motivate yourself at will to get any... Read More
OK...let's assume that you're truly motivated to change. Great. But... Read More
Microsoft wanted to know how individuals around the world were... Read More
Balancing Your Work, Family and Social Life... Read More
Having a home based business can be overwhelming. When you... Read More
Whenever you have projects that can't be done in one... Read More
Let's look at your time management skills. Most of us... Read More
Clarity brings accomplishmentOne of the most important things you can... Read More
Too much to do, too little time, constant stress. Most... Read More
Frustration is when an obstacle blocks your ability to achieve... Read More
Time, time, time. It seems there is never enough of... Read More
Does it seem like there is never enough time in... Read More
It's easy to waste time on things that seem urgent... Read More
"If you control your time, you control your life" -... Read More
Time is inelastic. Despite what some of us persist in... Read More
All too often we can feel overwhelmed by the amount... Read More
Vilfredo Pareto's Principle, or The "Pareto Principle," is more commonly... Read More
And when you finally sat down to eat breakfast, was... Read More
Many organisations view time management training as something they'll spend... Read More
Time Management |