Making the Most of Time

There is so much I want to do and so many things that need my attention. Spring seems to bring on overwhelming number of chores, events and activities – garden, grass, baseball, conferences, workshops, performances and on and on. I’m almost afraid to even look at the summer calendar.

The other day I found a book that I’m using to help sort through the noise of my life. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Managing Your Time” may not have the most positive and uplifting title but it is filled with amazing ideas. I am using the blueprint for managing my time that comes from page 57 of the book.

Two days ago I started by writing down the things that are important to me and I followed with a list of goals that I would like to accomplish in the next 10 days. I tried to put down goals that would stretch me but that were obtainable.

Today it is time for me to review my list of priorities and goals and make sure the two mesh. Anything that no longer sits at the top of the list needs to be taken off. Review, add, and strike until the list is just the way it needs to be.

It is important to review priorities, goals and objectives on a regular basis. But reviewing only gets me so far. I need to put action behind my words. I’m working on that today. I’m creating a calendar of actions to reach each goal. I’m also committing my goals to a personal contract that I am going to share with three people that I trust to support (and push) me to where I want to be. Accountability is vital to my personal success.

Blocking out Time for Your Goals

1. Start with the end date. Write down the goal that you desire on the date that you desire.
2. Work backwards from the end date with smaller objectives.
3. Create a play by play to help you meet each objective.

Example One:

Lose 30 pounds in 10 weeks. I know it’s a tough schedule but I also know that I’ve done it before without stressful diets, extreme measures AND with kids in the house. The only excuse that I have is that I am not willing to give up my selfish habits to get to where I want to be.

End date: July 1 (my health independence day)
Objectives:

June 3 – 15 pounds
May 20 – 10 pounds
April 29 – 3 pounds

Step by step:

1st – no more soft drinks during the next 10 weeks. They are just empty calories anyway.

2nd – get outside and play with the kids (that means actually playing and not just sitting on the bench watching) for one hour each day.

3rd – eat with the family. I am more controlled with my eating when I sit at the table with the family than I am if I am sitting alone.

4th – walk one mile each day (adding one half mile each week until the end of the 10 weeks).

5th – eat fresh fruits or vegetables at every meal. The green smoothies are a great way to help get more fresh green vegetables into my diet.

Breaking down each of my goals into similar processes will give me something to aim towards each day, each week and each month. I know that by putting actions behind my goals I will be able to make the most of each minute of each day. In the end I will create more time for myself while reaching the goals that I desire.