Time Really CAN be on Your Side
You’ve no doubt heard the old song, “Time is on My Side.” I don’t actually know many people that mirror that sentiment! We have to change how we feel about time. Try repeating this to yourself whenever you feel rushed:
TIME IS MY FRIEND
TIME IS MY ALLY
I HAVE ALL THE TIME I NEED
FOR EVERYTHING I WANT TO DO.
I hear comments and complaints constantly about how hard it is to balance our time requests these days. Are you one of those people that find it hard to balance your work and personal lives? You are not alone! If you want balance, it takes a while to find. Here are a couple of suggestions for anyone who is struggling to keep work and personal life in balance.
Live in the Moment
First, don’t judge yourself about where you’re spending your time. Wherever you are, be there 100 percent. If you’re working, try to notice why you said yes to the work and enjoy that part of it. When you are home with friends or family, silence your phone and focus on being in the moment. Those reports will be there tomorrow. Enjoy the here and now!
Time-blocking
Second, use your calendar as a tool to give you what you want. Block it with work and personal time, and stick to it. For example, I’m writing a book and it’s very easy for me to let that scheduled block be overridden by other tasks, like answering email or returning calls. I’m getting better at blocking it out in advance and sticking with what I said I was going to do with it.
Let Your Values Guide You
Lastly, prioritize around your values. If personal time is the highest priority, mark that into your calendar first. Then fill in the other stuff in around it. If you are focusing on an extremely deadline-sensitive work project that needs more attention, make that your priority. Although, in the latter case, I’d suggest having a conversation with those close to you so they understand that this is only temporary.
Don’t let time rule your life. Use it to your advantage. There are plenty of hours in each day to accomplish everything you want. Stop stressing and start living in the moment!
