I’ve heard my clients say, “There’s not enough time in the world to do all I have to do, let alone be able to do what I want to do!” A common thread I see in life; in conversations with friends, fellow coaches, people with whom I speak, what I read on social networking sites… The lack of enough time.
There are ways to manage, maximize and strategize your time so that you can have it work for you rather than against you. It’s almost like creating time.
“But there is just way too much stuff to do!”
So here’s what I suggest:
1. What are you REALLY obligated to do?
The answer to this is take care of your immediate family, do your job, take care of yourself.
2. Within your true obligations, is there anything that can be delegated?
Can your teenager cook once a week? Can your spouse or partner take over more often? Can you hire help? Can you delegate any of your work to your staff or a colleague?
3. Identify what you’re saying “YES” to doing that you really don’t like to do.
An example, your mother requests that you help her organize her house. You know she’s totally capable, but she’s asking you to help. You don’t want to do it but you say yes anyway.
Another example, your elderly neighbor wants you to drive her to the hairdresser once or twice a week. You know she has the ability to call for a ride-share for elderly people, but instead, she’s asking you.
So what can you do, if you really don’t want to do something but you still feel obligated out of family, feeling pity, etc.?
For your mom, tell her you’re unavailable. You’d love to take her to lunch, but you have other priorities in your own life to manage and so you’re unable to commit to spending a day or two to organize her house. Suggest she look up professional home organizers.
For your neighbor, take a few minutes to get the number for your local elderly support organizations and have her call them. They can organize rides, help with doctor appointments, and more.
For the other areas, get creative! Help in the support of it, but don’t do it for them unless you really WANT to.
4. Take out the “trash”. If you find yourself having to do a lot, you also need to decide what’s actually beneficial to you, your family or your job? If it’s not, dump it in the so-called ‘circular bin’ and be done with it.
5. Prioritize your tasks. What’s the most urgent thing? What’s the least urgent thing?
6. Break down the big projects into manageable bite-size pieces. Take regular action to accomplish them.
7. Carve out and commit to having more time for yourself if you don’t already have a lot. This means making a commitment to yourself to have regular time to do your own thing. Do what you want during this time. If you’re really skeptical, an idea could be to devote 15 minutes of your lunchtime to meditate to help you replenish your energy so you can take on the rest of the day.
Other ideas are: Take a yoga or other fitness class 2-3 times a week. Feed your friendships; go out to lunch with a friend and have good conversation. Read a book at night. Take a soaking bath once a week. Sit in the hot-tub a few times a week. Go swimming before work. Take a regular hike on the weekends. Work on a hobby.
Just by beginning with these starter tools, I think you’ll find yourself in a much happier place. And if you need more, give me a shout! I’m here to help. I will help you maximize your time so you can have room to live your dream life.
Ready for Giovanna’s unique time-management support?
Email or call today! Toll-free 1.888.327.2282
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