December 2007, Issue 2

It's about TIME.

Every night before I go to bed, I sit down and review my schedule for the next day. Those ten minutes of planning are so essential to me; once I do this, I know that the following day will be productive, and that I will spend my time wisely and deliberately.

So many people feel like they're victims to time - that throughout their day, they're interrupted or distracted, and somehow, one way or another, it's suddenly midnight and they have yet to look at their morning to-do list.

We really aren't victims to time though. In fact, you can see how quickly your relationship with time changes once you decide to sit down and map out your day. Sometimes, the difference just comes from writing it down and actually seeing it on paper. Imagine days that feel efficient and productive. Imagine going to bed, content with how you spent the past twelve hours.

This month - take those ten minutes.

Here are some things to keep in mind during your planning sessions:

1. Recognize that your time is valuable. There are only 24 hours in a day; we can kick and we can scream, but in the end, that's all we're given. If you look at the day as a container of time, you can only fill it with as much as the container can hold. One day can only hold 24 hours of appointments, phone calls, and family time; this time is precious, finite, and yours to use. Choose to fill it with things that nourish your life and help you grow.
2. Decide how you want to spend your time. So how do you want to spend those 24 hours? What are the three most important things you need to do to make your day feel full and well-spent? This month, decide to prioritize those things and make sure that you have designated a specific time just for them - and nothing else.
   
3. Give a when to your what. Here's the important part. In order for you to accomplish the things you want to do, you must set a time to do them. This may seem obvious, but a lot of us tell ourselves that we will do things when we have free time. Somehow, that free time never shows up - and the tasks never get done. Before you read on, take out your planner. Review your plans for the week or month ahead. When is there time to schedule the things you really want to accomplish in your life? It may seem silly writing that you're reading in bed from nine to ten, but you will find that doing this is a calming practice. Marking it down reassures you that even before your day begins, you have set a time for this activity.
4. Focus on the moment. The whole point of giving a when to your what (or a time to your task) is to ensure that everything you want to do has a specific place in your day. Knowing this, you can then give all of your energy to whatever you're doing at the present moment - and not worry about anything else. When you're finally able to give your full attention and energy to the moment at hand, you will accomplish things more quickly and easily - and the process will feel more enjoyable as well.

This works great for people who like working with paper planners, and who also want a lot of room to map out each day. There is space on the left to schedule your day (hour by hour) and on the right, there is a place to jot down notes, reminders, or create those beloved master to-do lists. I use this system and love it.