I remember when (I was 5) all I focused on was playing. Now (34) I am constantly searching for more time to have fun, relax and lead a purposeful life. The reality is, to create the life I want, I neeed to adopt habits that help me free up my time and focus on my priorities. Here are three things that have helped me take back my time.
1. Kick Yourself Where You Need It!
Come on! Would I be reading your mind if I said, Facebook tends to creep into your free time and completely take it over? No? Maybe I’m reading my own mind! Ok, then what is eating up your free time like crazy?
I have asked some of my clients to keep a journal for one week of how they spend their time. This journal is incredibly helpful because it shows you what you spend too much time doing. Then I help clients reprioritize and stick to it.
Unless you can give yourself a kick in your own pants or have a friend who you can be accountable to, hiring a personal coach can help you develop new habits that stick. I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t have happy clients!
2. Practice Single Tasking
Multi tasking can be stressful and can actually prevent you from getting much accomplished. I’m still learning that (in my clients words) “not everything is a priority” right now. Single tasking helps you avoid distraction that comes when you try to switch tasks and re-focus. You will become great at one thing instead of ok at many.
3. Get Comfortable With Not Doing It All
Maybe right away you’re thinking, “I HAVE to do it all to survive.” Let me tell you right now that when I put too much on my plate and have unrealistic expectations for myself, I end up feeling disappointed and stressed. I (and you) can push myself so far that I can start tipping off the edge of sanity.
At first, creating realistic, nourishing expectations for yourself might feel uncomfortable. Maybe you enjoy the temporary superpowers you feel when you put on your Wonder Woman cape. You might even secretly like how others admire your cape, but you’ll need more than the cape to start feeling the way you want to.
Not only will you find that you have more time when you don’t expect so much of yourself, you’ll start to feel happier and more at peace. There will be a trickle effect in your relationships as well!
Going Deeper
My clients say they’re learning how to “let go” of trivial things and say “Who really cares?” They’re prioritizing only that which really matters to them. They ask themselves the question, “Is this really going to help me grow my business, develop the relationships that matter to me or make me feel the way I want to?”
I hope you can take one of the tools I’ve shared with you and apply it. If you want more info like this, come on over to my facebook page and join the discussions that take place there. When you need it, take me up on the free consultation I offer!
xo Amy