Do you find yourself constantly running late? Are you overwhelmed with tasks? Do you miss deadlines? Does your mind race wildly at night? If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time to look closely at how you are managing your time.
Time is just time. We all have the same amount. 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week. 52 weeks in a year. How we view it is the key.
Many view time as a possession (“I haven’t got time for that.”) While others view it as a commodity (“There’s just not enough time in the day.”) How do YOU view time?
There are a number of different reasons why people fail to manage time. Poor organizational skills, fear of failing, waiting for the “right time” to get started, or undeveloped decision-making skills. These reasons can leave you feeling powerless and can undermine your confidence. And you might not have thought about it, but they also come with a cost.
Think about it — what does it cost you to be late? It’s not just arriving a few minutes after an event has begun, it can be much more than that. It can cost you respect of those around you who feel you don’t value their time. It can cost you trust in your word and in yourself. It can cost you integrity. It can also cost your job if you aren’t careful.
Time management doesn’t have to be complex tracking systems and spreadsheets. It can simply start with a few basic steps.
First and foremost, breathe. I know this might sound silly, but when we are in a hurry or feeling overwhelmed, stopping and just taking a big, cleansing breath can make all the difference in the world. Go ahead and give it a try right now. See how you feel.
Next, get present. Don’t keep thinking about the past and things you can’t change. Also, don’t get stuck in the future where things haven’t even happened yet. Ground yourself into the here and now.
Then, forget multitasking. When you focus on too many things at once, it’s nearly impossible to do any one thing well. Instead, just focus on one thing at a time and prioritize. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll get done with this method.
Other surefire ways of taming your time? Learn to say no to non-essential tasks and limit your distractions. Set boundaries. Chunk down your tasks and do them in 10 to15 minute intervals. Join a mastermind, celebrate your successes, or hire me to gently guide you through the entire process.
You don’t have to be a victim to time any longer. Instead, you can master it and move forward on your own terms. Need a time management workshop? Or perhaps more information on assessments and coaching? Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] or give me a call at (972) 898-6294 today.