We’re at that stage of the year where the 60 days of January turns into April and soon we find ourselves thinking about Easter and wondering what happened the last 3 months. Perhaps before we get caught in that race, we need to remind ourselves a few things that are most important to us. Remember that you will always have time for what you chose to have time for.
Despite all the advice and strategies of productivity and time management out there, many of us still find ourselves feeling like there just aren't enough hours in the day. But what if I told you that the key to managing your time effectively isn't about finding more hours, but rather about choosing how to spend the hours you already have?
You'll always have time for what you choose to have time for. This is a simple yet profound statement that holds a powerful truth. Think about it. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. From the busiest CEO to the most laid-back beach bum, we all get the same amount of time to work with. So why is it that some people seem to accomplish so much while others feel like they're constantly playing catch-up?
The answer lies in our priorities. How we choose to allocate our time is a direct reflection of what we value most. If we prioritize binge-watching our favorite TV shows, we'll find the time to do it. If we prioritize hitting the gym, we'll make it happen. If we prioritize advancing our careers, we'll carve out the time for professional development. It's all about choices.
Now, I'm not saying that managing your time is a walk in the park. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs and unexpected challenges our way. But even in the midst of chaos, we still have the power to decide what gets our attention and what falls by the wayside. Sometimes we might be forced to postpone some priorities in favor of a bigger priority.
For instance, a young mother might need to postpone hitting the gym so as to spend more time with the young child that needs her the most. During a career transition, you might need to put in more hours at work than someone that’s already seasoned in that area. You may need to say no to some good things now, for better things, until the situation changes or improves.
So, how can we apply this wisdom to our daily lives? First, take a good, hard look at your priorities. What truly matters to you? What do you want to achieve? What takes you on a guilt trip every time you realize you’ve not assigned sufficient time to it? Once you've identified your top priorities, make a conscious effort to align your daily actions with those priorities. This might mean saying no to certain commitments, delegating tasks, or simply being more mindful of how you spend your time.
Next, embrace the art of time blocking. Set aside dedicated chunks of time for the things that matter most to you. Whether it's work, family time, self-care, or pursuing a passion project, block off specific time slots in your schedule and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
Finally, be ruthless with your time. Guard it like a precious treasure. Learn to recognize when certain activities or people are draining your time and energy without adding value to your life. It's okay to say no, to set boundaries, and to protect your time fiercely.
In the end, remember that time is a finite resource. We can't create more of it, but we can certainly choose how we spend it. So, the next time you catch yourself saying, "I don't have time for that," pause and ask yourself if it's really a matter of time or a matter of priorities. You'll be surprised at how much time you can find when you start choosing what truly matters to you.
At times, you move faster when you’re moving slowly. Selah!
