Why is it that the one thing in life we value the most, we feel we have so little of? Looking at the clock these days has become such a habit, it’s beginning to really bother me. So, how to break free of living within the few hours we have to get everything done? Here’s my first rule: you can’t do it all in a day.
Remember that saying, “They didn’t build Rome in a day?” I haven’t heard it in so long, but I have to admit, I live by it. As I was out of work for almost three years, I thought I had all the time in the world to get stuff done. But no, I found ways to fill up my time and my days keeping busy. But now, I’m back to working full time, downtown, and feeling like I have less time to get everything done. So, back to my rules of time.
Rules of time? Yes, I have a little quirky way of getting things done. I look at each task as having so many units of time. Each unit of time is 15 minutes. For instance, laundry folding is 1 unit. But ironing is 2 units. Doing both one after the other may not offer me enough time to get other things done, so I’ll choose by the number of units required. It’s helpful to know that I can get four things done in an hour, because then it doesn’t sound so daunting! Second rule: don’t think you need to do everything.
Not talking about prioritizing is the worst thing to do for yourself. My priorities in order are: My kids (including Four Paws), My husband, me, my family, my friends, my clients, and my house. So, when I look at the given tasks at hand, I remind myself of my priorities, and check off each one to see that I stay true to my list. As soon as each one is carefully tended to, or if not needing anything, I move to the next. Yes, that’s right, the house is last. Third rule: tomorrow’s another day.
When I can’t get something done for several days, it may linger in my head. How to get rid of it? There’s always tomorrow. That’s the beauty of tomorrow. I’m not saying I’m procrastinating, but I’m being realistic. I’ve placed the to-do’s into units. I’ve prioritized them. Now, I decide whether or not I’m going to act on it – today. Why not tomorrow?
How do you deal with the limited time you have in a day to get things done? I’d love to know.
Stay Healthy, be fit, and have fun!
