Friends and colleagues often ask me how I find the time to do all that I do.
I have to chuckle a little, because I never find time, I often have to make time.
When something is important to me I recognize that I need to make time for it (or them). In the process of making time for what is important I need to give up time for things that are less important.
I need to be organized and prioritize what’s important.
Sometimes it is about making the time, and sometimes it’s about utilizing my time. Listed below are some of the things I do on a daily basis to get done what I need to get done and what I want to get done.
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I rarely watch television. When I do it’s only DVD’s and the time is limited to only a few hours per week. We do not have cable or satellite television, nor do we have a TV that receives local antenna reception.
I carry books and notebooks with me wherever I go. Whenever I have to wait, out comes a book or my notebook so that I can read or write.
I always have non-fiction audio CD’s in my car so I can listen and learn on long commutes.
I used to get up very early, 3am-4am, but now I stay up late 10pm-11pm (that’s late for me). And, regardless how late I’m up till, I’m out of bed no later than 6am-7am each morning.
I try to plan our meals in advance so we only have to grocery shop once per week, with an occasional run to the farmers market for fresh produce. I also cook up a large pot of soup every Sunday that helps keep us going when time is tight during the week.
I don’t shop unless I absolutely have to. Shopping is not one of my favorite pastimes so I spend very little time in stores or malls. I go in with a list and get out as quickly as possible.
I set goals, both short term and long term. Goals help keep me focused and moving forward.
I utilize to-do lists and spend some time every morning and every evening reviewing what I’ve accomplished, what needs to be done and prioritizing tasks.
I mark all meetings and appointments, both personal and work related on my desk calendar, so I can see at a glance where I need to be and what I need to do a week at a time.
To keep my energy up so that I can be both productive and enjoy my working hours I walk in the park every morning with my spouse and read a bit every evening.
I don’t read as much as I used to.
These are some of the things I do to make time versus finding time for what is important to me.
What are some tips you can share from your own life?
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