Time Management(???)

Much has been written about time management – as if time is a “thing” or an object.  Time is a dimension in which events can be ordered from the past through the present into the future.  Time is a unit of measurement.  You can’t expand or contract time, in fact you can’t manage time at all.  I know this sounds a little philosophical but bear with me.  When you believe that you need to manage time, you’re attempting to manage something apart from you which can be very stressful.

Replace time management with managing how you plan to spend your time.  Make conscious choices of what you plan to do and when you plan to do it.  Here are some tips to get you started.

Tip 1:  Nothing.  Choose to do nothing for a short period of time each day.  Set a timer for five minutes or more.  Sit somewhere without distractions.  Close your computer and turn off your phone.  Close your eyes and let your mind wander.  This short respite during your day can help you get centered and reduce some of your stress.

Tip 2:  Low expectations.  When you’re facing daunting tasks work on them for a set period of time – one hour or less.  Do whatever you can during that time period and allow yourself to stop when the time is up.  If you get on a roll, keep going, if not, stop.  Lowering your expectations can produce wonderful results.

Tip 3:  Priority.  Each day choose what is most important.  Make that choice your priority.  Anything else you might accomplish is a bonus.

Tip 4:  Agenda.  The demands that are put on you are often from other people.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up with meeting the needs of others, we forget about our own agenda.  When making the choice of what to do next, determine whose agenda it’s coming from.  Doing things for others can be a joy or a drag.  Accomplishing something for yourself each day will boost your energy and reduce your stress.

Tip 5:  Let go.  You won’t get it all done, because there is always something more to do.  Accept that you will have days that you feel productive and other days you won’t.  Struggling to do it all leaves you with overwhelm, stress and frustration.  Replace the phrase “I should” with “I choose to” and you’ll be well on your way to managing your choices.

Tip 6:  Smile.  And breathe.  It’s easy to forget these two easy, no cost stress relievers when you’re running around.  Look into a mirror and smile.  Take a few deep breaths when you’re sitting at your computer.  Look up at the ceiling and feel the stress slip away.

What do you do to manage your choices?  Do you have any tips that help you get through your busiest times?  How do you beat the overwhelm?  Leave your comments below.

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