|
The Top 10 Ways
To Have Time on Your Terms
Summer is traditionally associated with a time to
kick back, barbeques, ball-games, vacations and take
time to smell the roses.
But often we never seem to have enough time in the day.
There seems to be plenty of time to do things we
don't like and somehow we always manage to push
ourselves and our fulfillment out of the
equation. Life is too short to live with regret
and to work so hard at things that don't really
fulfill you. So you have a choice, you can
either live your life regretting all the things
that you really wanted to do, or you can make
the time and start living the life you really
want. Yes, life is busy, so here are some
strategies that will help you to get control of
your time. Below, you will also find one of my favorite assessments - the
Time Mastery Profile.
It breaks time into 12 distinct categories and includes a very helpful workbook
on how to master your time more effectively.
Enjoy!
- Become a
problem free zone.
Yes, problems happen in life, and there are ways to
proactively limit your exposure to those problems. You
can limit your exposure by creating strong boundaries,
developing reserves, and creating systems that will
prevent future problems. What are some systems that you
can develop right now that will prevent you from having
problems in the future?
Create enriching free time.
So often when we do have free time we spend it on some
mind numbing activity such as TV. Devote some of your
free time each week doing something that really enriches
your life. Do something that makes you feel fantastic
and blissed-out. The rest of your week will get a big
boost and you will find that you are effortlessly
getting things accomplished.
Be present.
When you have committed to spend the time, are you
present? Or are you thinking about the other things that
you have to do? Often when we are at work we are
thinking about the things we have to do at home and when
we are home we are thinking about the things we have to
do at work. As a result, we never focus on what we are
currently doing. This drains your energy and because you
are focused on feeling guilty you don't produce the
results you really want which leads to problems. Focus
on what you are currently doing and concentrate on
putting in a 100% effort and you will see strong results
with fewer mistakes.
Set intentions for the day.
Setting intentions for the day is much different than
having a to do list. Setting intentions for the day
involves clearly articulating what you want from that
day. Your intentions for the day could be anywhere from
cleaning out your desk to looking for and seeking out
abundance from the day. The key is focus, so do not set
more than three intentions for the day and center your
activities around those intentions. This is much lighter
than a to-do list, which tends to drain your energy and
can keep you from feeling accomplished.
Develop healthy energy sources.
Your body gets energy from any source it can find
regardless if it is negative or positive energy. The
difference is that negative energy sources leave you
feeling drained, discontented, and restless while
positive energy sources leave you feeling happy,
peaceful, and energized. Which one sounds better to you?
Develop healthy energy sources by creating reserves of
time and money, by eating right and exercising, and
doing what makes you happy. Your day and your mood will
feel much different and you will go to bed with a
feeling of peaceful satisfaction.
Say no.
We often cause our own time problems because we cannot
say no to requests. It is understandable that you want
to help people but why are you willing to sacrifice your
own well being by being over committed? If a request is
going to leave you feeling resentful, angry, or taken
advantage of, definitely say no. You will feel a huge
sense of relief.
Get rid of commitments.
We often make commitments that don't really add value to
our goals, our vision, or our lives. If you want to
create more time in your life you have to start being
very selective about the activities in which you
participate. Really look at your current commitments and
ask yourself, is this how you want to spend your time?
Does it make you feel good? Does it help you mover
closer to your goals?
Slow down.
Rushing has become a way of life for most of us. Even
when we don't have to rush we still do. Have you ever
asked yourself, why am I rushing? Only to discover that
there was no reason at all. When you rush around you are
not present in your surroundings, you are often
distracted and frazzled, which will cause you to make
mistakes and take up even more of your time. Become
aware of this adrenaline rushed feeling and make a
conscious decision to slow down. Slow your walk, slow
down your speech, take a deep breath, and do what it
takes to mentally and physically slow down.
Under promise and over deliver.
We have all heard this phrase but do we actually do it?
Part of our time pressure is caused by over promising
when we don't have to. Give yourself more time to
complete a project then you think you will need and
deliver it early. Your days will not feel as frantic,
you will be getting your energy from positive sources,
you will do a better job, which helps create your
problem free zone, and you will feel good about your
accomplishments. This is a win/ win for everyone.
Really understand that you control your time, not
the other way around.
Most of us feel like we are victims to time when in
reality you control your time and how you utilize it.
Start utilizing it to your advantage by having it work
for you.
About the
Submitter
Copyright 1997-2003 CoachVille. This piece was originally
submitted by Jennifer Ottolinio, Professional Coach, who can
be reached at
jen@coachjen.com or visited
on the web. Jennifer Ottolinio wants you to know: I am a
coach who specializes on helping people find the balance
between themselves, their relationships, and their careers.
I help people live an effective and prosperous life.
Special
Offer
Price: $25.00
|
The Time Mastery Profile®
helps individuals set priorities and manage time more
effectively by evaluating their effectiveness in 12
critical areas. - This complete self-assessment tool
looks at individual effectiveness in twelve critical
areas. It also includes a built-in workbook that
guides individuals in developing customized strategies
for improving their productivity.
Purchase the
Time Mastery Profile
and receive a
20% discount for a
30-minute consultation to review your
assessment.
Regular Consultation Fee:
$75.00
|
|
|
About JAS
Janine A. Schindler is a masterful career and personal coach with twenty
years of experience spanning the corporate ranks in Fortune 500 firms
and small businesses. With a sense of humor and creative listening, she
brings expertise to her clients who say she is a great catalyst for
personal, as well as professional growth. Janine holds a BS from
St. John's University, a MA from Queens College
where she was an adjunct professor, advanced training from Coach
University, Institute for Empowerment Coaching and the Graduate School
of Coaching.
Copyright © 2004 JAS Coaching - All Rights Reserved |
www.jascoaching.com
| T: 646.742.0770
|
