Today I was reviewing some writings and quotes, which reminded me of the concept that "thoughts are things", something I regularly observe and believe is alive and well. This is the idea that what we think becomes present in our lives, even who we become. I shifted to thinking about time management and how this principle might apply there. Why wouldn't it?
So, the question came up again: How do I think about time? If I think I'm too busy too much of the time, won't that continue to be my experience? However, it may seem in a work situation, and in many personal situations also, that you have no control over what takes up your time. This brings up the topic of expectations, what do you or others want you to accomplish, either in your work or personal life? And, of course, there is a connection between expectations and time used to fulfill those expectations.
To say, we chose our careers and our personal lives so we must have had some idea the time they would take up, doesn't seem to really answer the question of how to manage time better, and especially how to feel better about our usage of time.
I approached this topic a few years ago and came to conclusions that:
Today, I harbor these same conclusions but add some additional thoughts, such as: how real is time anyway? It is intangible; we cannot see, hear, smell, or touch it. It can be argued that we can measure it. Man has created systems of time and the human race has dictated work schedules, sleep, schools, business hours, religions, entire countries and hemispheres around time systems that are fractionalized into equal parts with beginnings and endings of those fractions, that we then fall into step with, or against. Not all of these systems of measuring time are quite the same.
A question that comes to mind is: "What is more important, measuring achievements by a clock or measuring against what you are really wanting?"
At the core of the question is what do you want to do, be, and have? Acknowledging your individual purpose, talents, skills, and strengths comes into play. This may create a shift in your energy. When you begin thinking about what you're here to do, what you can contribute, what skills and talents you can bring forward to a task at hand, what goals can you accomplish, are you more or less energized to see what you can get done than when you tie your accomplishments to the time it takes to get them done?
Do you feel you are using your strengths and talents in work that is meaningful to you, that is driven by your own goals, talents, strengths, and purpose? Or, do you feel, you must comply with the constant expectations of others, systems, organizations? If so, you might consider working with a coach to explore what and how you can make changes to be more in alignment with who you are and what you are wanting.
As a coach, I recommend exploring these questions and seeing what comes up for you? Obviously, the questions have to do with more than just managing your time. Often, working and living a more fulfilling life is about continuously looking at things anew, assessing and reassessing if you feel different about things today than yesterday, and especially asking yourself what it is that you really want now?
So, the question came up again: How do I think about time? If I think I'm too busy too much of the time, won't that continue to be my experience? However, it may seem in a work situation, and in many personal situations also, that you have no control over what takes up your time. This brings up the topic of expectations, what do you or others want you to accomplish, either in your work or personal life? And, of course, there is a connection between expectations and time used to fulfill those expectations.
To say, we chose our careers and our personal lives so we must have had some idea the time they would take up, doesn't seem to really answer the question of how to manage time better, and especially how to feel better about our usage of time.
I approached this topic a few years ago and came to conclusions that:
- If what we have and experience mirrors our own thinking, I should examine how my own thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes toward time impact how busy I feel.
- It would be helpful to practice thinking that time is manageable and within my control. This means making a shift in my thinking or attitudes, some of which may be habitual thought processes.
- I need to continuously monitor two things: a. How busy do I want to be right now?, and b. What is important to me right now in terms of accomplishing tasks or projects, in what time frame?
Today, I harbor these same conclusions but add some additional thoughts, such as: how real is time anyway? It is intangible; we cannot see, hear, smell, or touch it. It can be argued that we can measure it. Man has created systems of time and the human race has dictated work schedules, sleep, schools, business hours, religions, entire countries and hemispheres around time systems that are fractionalized into equal parts with beginnings and endings of those fractions, that we then fall into step with, or against. Not all of these systems of measuring time are quite the same.
A question that comes to mind is: "What is more important, measuring achievements by a clock or measuring against what you are really wanting?"
At the core of the question is what do you want to do, be, and have? Acknowledging your individual purpose, talents, skills, and strengths comes into play. This may create a shift in your energy. When you begin thinking about what you're here to do, what you can contribute, what skills and talents you can bring forward to a task at hand, what goals can you accomplish, are you more or less energized to see what you can get done than when you tie your accomplishments to the time it takes to get them done?
Do you feel you are using your strengths and talents in work that is meaningful to you, that is driven by your own goals, talents, strengths, and purpose? Or, do you feel, you must comply with the constant expectations of others, systems, organizations? If so, you might consider working with a coach to explore what and how you can make changes to be more in alignment with who you are and what you are wanting.
As a coach, I recommend exploring these questions and seeing what comes up for you? Obviously, the questions have to do with more than just managing your time. Often, working and living a more fulfilling life is about continuously looking at things anew, assessing and reassessing if you feel different about things today than yesterday, and especially asking yourself what it is that you really want now?