Does it always feel like time is getting away from you?
Time management is a sought after topic that has created many best-sellers. We all wish we had more time in our day. What if I told you time is the not your issue – YOU are? Ouch! That reality hits a nerve and even hurts a little bit. Truth is there are 24-hours in a day, 60-minutes in an hour, and 60-seconds in a minute for every one us. When it comes to an even playing field, it gets no better than time because we all have the exact same amount of it in our day. You see, the solution in ‘finding more time’ in your day is not in Time Management, it is in Self-Management.
Life happens. Work happens. Family happens. Pandemics happen. _________ happens. There are many circumstances, both good and bad, that are outside of your control. That being said, you always have a choice within your circumstances because YOU are the one thing YOU can control. This is the foundation of self-management.
Self-Management does come more naturally for some than for others. Regardless of if you’re a natural at self- management or will have to dig deep to see the results you want, there are 5 key steps to help you get there:
STEP 1. OWN IT. Own the fact that you are in control of you. Own the fact that you are in control of and responsible for your choices, your accountability, your actions and your results. Choose to live above the line.
STEP 2. DEFINE IT. Until you define it, it’s just a concept. The definition of a concept is “an abstract idea” or “general notion”, neither of which will get you results. Identify your priorities, actually prioritize them and schedule daily at least your top 3-5 priorities to start with.
STEP 3. INK IT. You’ve heard this time and again regarding many topics; do you know why? Because it works! Your brain works best and retains more when you see something (read it), hear something (read it out loud) and feel something (put pen to paper and write it down). You are not the exception to this rule. Writing it down reinforces the information by making your brain think about it a second time, creates clarity and makes follow-through more likely.
STEP 4. TEST IT. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are new habits. You have to show up daily and follow your defined, written plan in order to know if it works in real time. In general, give it two weeks. And remember, every change comes with challenges. Expect to meet resistance and choose to stay the course.
STEP 5. ADJUST & REPEAT. These steps are in a constant repeat cycle. After you test your schedule for a minimum of 2 weeks, you need to allow for adjustments. Decide what those adjustments are going to be and start back at Step 2 (Step 1 if you need a friendly reminder).
As with all new habits, consistency is key. Take the time to do this right; you are worth showing up for!