things I've learned: time management
Several readers have asked me recently my thoughts or advice on how to get things done and manage your time well with a busy schedule. Many of you have trouble being motivated to get things done or just feel like you never accomplish what you desire to accomplish. Well, I hope these tips might help you to feel more empowered and encouraged as you look to achieve your dreams!
Doing this allows me to see a vision of where I want to be and gives me motivation. Then, once I've realized the vision I have, I asked these questions: 1) What do I need to do now in order to accomplish my goals for the future? 2) If I continue with the path I am currently on, where am I going to end up? 3) What do I need to change right now?
The reason behind making a list is simple. By writing an idea down, you free yourself to utilize your energy on your current task and not on trying to remember all the other things you need to do. Have you ever been thinking all day of the things you need to do when you get home from work, but then once you actually get home you realize that you've forgotten half of them? This used to happen to me all the time and it was so frustrating. Or maybe you are the opposite and every time you think of something, you stop whatever you're doing and do it. At the end of the day, because of all the interruptions you've not completed the task you first started on and you've wasted a lot of time from being so scattered.
It's because of this that, throughout the day, I keep a moleskin journal by my side and I write down thoughts, to-do items, dreams, blog ideas, Christmas presents, and anything else that comes to my brain. Then, because I write it down, I don't have to think about it or worry that I will forget it. Later, I sit down and I prioritize the things on the list according to what is most important to accomplish and how long each item will take to finish. I also take a note if something is a single step or if it has multiple steps included in it. Then, I schedule out action items on my calendar so that I know they are going to get done. This is a daily thing for me, but it may not be that often for you. It just depends on who you are, what kind of lists you are making, and how much you are trying to get done.
I feel my best when I take an hour 3 times a week to grab a cup of coffee, remind myself of my goals, read a book, watch a TV show, and allow myself to rest. It is important to schedule in rest time because I know that if I don't, it won't happen.
1. VISION
One of the most important things that I have ever done is to sit down with a cup of coffee and my best friend or my husband and just dream. Allowing myself to freely brainstorm all of the goals and dreams that I want to accomplish, focusing mostly on the next 5 years, but also thinking about where I want to be in 10 or 20 years. During these "dream sessions", I make sure that I ask the following questions: 1) Who do I want to be as a person? 2) What do I want to be doing? 3) What are the passions of my heart and how do I see myself living those out? 4) What are the "crazy" ideas that I have that seem unrealistic to me now?Doing this allows me to see a vision of where I want to be and gives me motivation. Then, once I've realized the vision I have, I asked these questions: 1) What do I need to do now in order to accomplish my goals for the future? 2) If I continue with the path I am currently on, where am I going to end up? 3) What do I need to change right now?
2. GET A CALENDAR & MAKE LISTS
I know many of you may not utilize a calendar. My husband is just like you; he hates calendars. Okay, maybe not hate, but they just don't come naturally for him. My advice for you? Try to use something simple that works for you. Whether that's on your phone or on a scrap of paper, at least try to write down a date next to each item on your list. One of my biggest secrets to getting things done and accomplishing my dreams is to 1) Make lists and 2) Schedule the things on those lists. This seems simple, but it takes some practice to make yourself do it well.The reason behind making a list is simple. By writing an idea down, you free yourself to utilize your energy on your current task and not on trying to remember all the other things you need to do. Have you ever been thinking all day of the things you need to do when you get home from work, but then once you actually get home you realize that you've forgotten half of them? This used to happen to me all the time and it was so frustrating. Or maybe you are the opposite and every time you think of something, you stop whatever you're doing and do it. At the end of the day, because of all the interruptions you've not completed the task you first started on and you've wasted a lot of time from being so scattered.
It's because of this that, throughout the day, I keep a moleskin journal by my side and I write down thoughts, to-do items, dreams, blog ideas, Christmas presents, and anything else that comes to my brain. Then, because I write it down, I don't have to think about it or worry that I will forget it. Later, I sit down and I prioritize the things on the list according to what is most important to accomplish and how long each item will take to finish. I also take a note if something is a single step or if it has multiple steps included in it. Then, I schedule out action items on my calendar so that I know they are going to get done. This is a daily thing for me, but it may not be that often for you. It just depends on who you are, what kind of lists you are making, and how much you are trying to get done.
3. TWENTY MINUTES
For most of my household chores and other mundane tasks, I have a 20 minute rule. What I mean is that I do 20 minutes per task daily instead of spending one day doing everything. This is helpful in keeping things clean and organized throughout the week instead of letting everything build up and having to deep clean and organize for a whole day. It is much easier to "maintain" than it is to recreate.4. TAKE A BREAK & TREAT YOURSELF
I am a pretty ambitious and energized person. It takes a lot to get me down and overwhelmed. However, every few weeks or so I just absolutely need a break. I need a day off to rest and do nothing. This feeling usually comes if I have failed to take regular "small" breaks throughout my days or when I haven't treated myself well. I typically institute a reward system with myself to keep me motivated. When I don't, I get overwhelmed and stressed out and end up having to take an entire day off just to get back on track and motivated again.I feel my best when I take an hour 3 times a week to grab a cup of coffee, remind myself of my goals, read a book, watch a TV show, and allow myself to rest. It is important to schedule in rest time because I know that if I don't, it won't happen.
5. FIND PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PASSIONS
I believe this item is a really important part of achieving your goals. Find someone who has similar passions and dreams as yourself, but is ahead of you in years or experience. Take them out to coffee or lunch and ask them questions about how they got where they are, what they wish they would have known, what their successes were, etc. If you don't know anybody, there are plenty of books out there that you can learn from as well as podcasts, bloggers (whoop whoop!) and other media.6. USE YOUR STRENGTHS
If you haven't taken a Strengths Assessment, I would highly recommend it. Knowing your strengths can help you to not only achieve your dreams and goals, but also do it more efficiently and effectively. The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to narrow your focus, weed out ideas that are just "good", but not "great", ask for help in areas that aren't your expertise, and take ownership of growing in areas of your strengths.
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I hope this has helped! Let me know what you do to manage your time and accomplish your goals!
