I just don’t have time – how many times have you heard this from someone? I’ve heard it a lot and I mean a lot! For me, for many people, I’m convinced that they do have time. We all have 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86400 seconds per day – nobody is different, we all have the same.
It’s how we decide to use our time that is different – now that isn’t earth shattering news, but you would be surprised by not focusing on your time, the difference it can make in your life.
Some people are busier than others, yes I agree, but when someone tells me that they struggle with time, it is usually because they have got themselves into a rut, a routine and they have the blinkers on when it comes to time management. They stick within their comfort zone and over time, it becomes the norm and they start to believe they do not have time to deal with something new or different.
When was the last time you actually sat down and looked at how you use your time? Look at my very crude example pie chart below;
Sleep = 8hrs
Work = 8hrs
Travel = 2hrs
Family time = 3hrs
Other = 3hrs
Total = 24hrs
So besides of sleep, work and travel, in my draft example you have 6hrs a day spare to you. I used them for family and other for the example, but you may not have family or a significant other to spend your time with and the other is just for anything. 6 hours a day equates to 25% of the available time to you a day. To me that is a good chunk of time that you could be using to achieve your desired goals.
I have worked with clients looking at their time. Each time they are surprised by how by focusing on their time management and making adjustments, they are able to achieve their desired goals. One person for example, was wanting to spend more time with the family. They felt that because of work commitments, their time with the family was suffering and often comments were made about this from family members. A refocus on how their time was spent, ensured that time was spent with the family. In this example, we worked together on not making a generic breakdown like my example, but a daily breakdown. We looked at the priorities, debated and reflected the need. The outcome was that we came up with a daily chart for all 7 days. By focusing on the breakdown, allowed my client to get a good balance
Reviewing your time and making adjustments takes dedication and practice. You need to be able to make a plan and stick to it. I believe that each individual needs to list their goals and priorities to make a realistic plan on how to use their time. Working with a coach is a great way to have that sounding board to help you discuss, reflect and be challenged. A simple approach is to use the Eisenhower matrix:
Key takeaways: When you are feeling swapped and just don’t have time, you need to break things down. Look at the realistic rather than the idealistic of your priorities and goals. It takes practice and you need to commit to your time plan.
Audience: Anyone who struggles with their time
Length: 500 words approx.
Research links: https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/
Tags: #personaldevelopment #coaching #mindset #time #commitment #dedication #timemanagement #leadership #lifecoaching #lifecoach #leadershipdevelopment
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