Do you have a passion, a desire or talent you feel you are not spending enough time cultivating? Perhaps you feel there is just not enough time in the day.
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things with matter least. ~Johann Goethe
Steven Covey’s, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, may help you change your ideas of how to approach and achieve the goals you have by looking at what and how you are spending your time on. Habit 3- Putting First Things First focuses on top priorities, by eliminating the unimportant. The result is increased organization and productivity, and fewer crises for a more balanced life and piece of mind.
One of the best ways to focus is to write down your goals and objectives. The balancing act comes after you know what it is you desire. Next, map out the time frame in which you would like to accomplish your goal. Keep a journal of your progress so you can evaluate and make adjustments.
Last year, I decided I was going to train for an Ironman triathlon. This event consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run. The question became how to train while holding a full time job, running a basket business, and being secretary to an active Arts Council board. While time doesn’t sit still, and neither do I, I had to find a way to work smarter rather than harder.
2011 was a balancing act. When I decided to do Ironman, I knew that some things were going to change in my daily life. I used a calendar to chart out my workouts, basket business duties and board assignments. By seeing everything written down, I knew where I could make the most impact with time by continually re-evaluating the important tasks. My support system was such that asking for help was an opportunity to delegate more. Which, I gladly did.
In October, we received an order for 2,000 hand-made bows. Knowing that I needed to get my long training rides in
A bike and a bow
was going to be a challenge if I had to be at the shop making bows. The solution became clear when the weather became cold. I’d have to train inside. Seeing an opportunity to multi-task, I brought my stationary bike trainer to the shop and set up a system where I could “ride” and “fluff bows”. I did this several times. One afternoon, I even put in a few movies, so I was entertained in the process.
Look for ways you can consolidate tasks. Whether it is making a list and managing it by the part of town you will be in, or managing your time using a Day-Timer. Outline First Things First.
What’s important to you? Not everything can be a priority.
1. Write down your goals and objectives
2. Keep a journal
3. Re-evaluate
You will find that there IS time to cultivate the passions you have for your favorite pastime, and have balance and happiness in the process. Happy New Year
