Good Afternoon Journal & Friends,
I enjoy the old Sherlock Holmes stories. My favorite way is a Talking Book from the library. In addition to his sharp wit and intelligent banter with Dr Watson, I realize I thoroughly enjoy the satisfaction of gathering the clues, solving the mystery, and--usually--the bad guy gets what's coming to him.
So, when I keep stumbling across the SAME message in my life in a short period of time, I look at it as though it were a CLUE. Sometimes it takes a Sherlock attitude to figure out what it means for me. Other times, LIKE NOW, it doesn't take a magnifying glass to get it... it's as obvious as the nose on my face!
The clues: several blogs I have been reading are all talking about TIME MANAGEMENT.
Anyone that has been reading here for very long might remember I keep mentioning Time Management, and how I want to get better at it. Yeah, right. Talk, talk, talk... but where are the results?!
Identifying the problem is only step one.
I have even read information of how to improve productivity, how to better manage my time. It's all good stuff, but for me it's been like reading a bunch of different recipes, grabbing ingredients here and there, throwing them all into the same pan, and expecting it to turn into something edible!
I need one simple recipe, with few ingredients, that will work for ME.
I have lists... schedules... calendars. It helps... but there is still something missing. I am still always behind...
Time Management. It is now at the top of my Improvement List. Priority One status.
Step one: less time on the computer writing about living life, and more time LIVING life. Gee... I'm a genius... I'll bet no one ever thought of THAT before!!! Yeah... right!!! :-D
If anyone has Time Management tips that have worked for them, lay 'em on me. I am gathering info to create my own simple plan.
From Dr Phil's book: "Demand nothing less than the best of yourself and for yourself."
My verse for today: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."
My quote for today: "The hardest part is what to leave behind... It's time to let go! --Winnie the Pooh
9 comments:
I took a great class in college Loretta about problem solving. Time management was a large part of the class. One thing he taught us that I liked was the idea of making a "to do" list then breaking it down into what we had to do right away, what we could delegate to others and what could be put off to a later day. It was the delegating that was new to me. I always feel like I have to do it all myself. I don't know if you are that kind of person too, but it is really freeing to ask someone for help once in a while.
I've noticed that the compouter does eat up a lot of time "unawares" so to speak. You know, I'll just stop by and check my messages for a minute. Then, before I know it, it's been 45 minutes.
I'm trying to limit that time to particular periods. Like now when Kenna is taking her nap and I don't want to make a lot of noise.
And when I would ordinarily be watching the news. I have a little TV on my huge desk--so, I watch the news and do my computer playtime then, too.
I just have to NOT get on just before bed, tho, or else I'll still be here at 2 a.m. Makes for a tired nana that next day and lots of ineffectiveness, too.
Good luck with your T.M. strategy!
Deb
Is the computer your biggest time-sucker? Identify where your time is going, then make a conscious effort to do other stuff. It's easier to focus on what you can/need/want to do than it is to try to avoid the computer (or whatever else is stealing your time).
KAREN: It would nice to be able to delegate, but there is no one to delegate TO, except hubby. And he already does more than his fair share. One of the reasons I want my mobility back is so I CAN stand long enough to do the vacuuming, or the grocery shopping and errands. Even run across the street to our mail box! So, until then, I am looking to get make better use of my time, so I have time to do my art work, not just always feel like I am barely keeping up with basics... if that! Yep, I have my work cut out for me. ;-)
DEB: Oh, wow, I just recently had to start telling myself NO! I loved checking the computer right before bed... I had a little nitetime ritual, because some of my favorite bloggers post right around my bedtime, pacific time.... Well, like you said, the next thing I know, it's 2am!! And I must get up to get hubby's 2 meals fixed to take to work. For some reason, he doesn't like the idea of fasting. ;-)
By the way, I finished "God Went Out of His Way", and one phrase has stuck with me: a tiny seed of faith—a little ember of hope.
Thank you so much for sending me that.
CHRISTINA: Yes!! And I love it so much... and it's helped me SO much, on this journey. To focus, to find others that understand, to connect. I finally had to sadly, reluctantly, almost with tears, stop visiting new blogs, and limit to my current list. It's hard, when you not only feel it is beneficial, but you ENJOY it so much. An enticing combination!
But yes, if I had to pick the ONE thing that eats up most of my free time, it would have to be computer. :-(
I guess I need to figure out how to still participate, without OVERdoing. Fine line, methinks.
Loretta
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Well you know I would be devastated if I lost you reading my whining and complaining - err I mean blog. But you do have to do what is best for you. Getting on at night is my biggest problem - I have to be up at 5:30am so I do my best to shut down at 10pm at the latest. So far its working. And guess what all those lovely blogs are waiting for me - I have a bit of spare time during the morning right now (at work) and use it for my blog writing and checking.
Just pick a time and stick to it - I know easier said than done. Just be good to yourself and your awesome hubby.
I schedule my day. I use what time of day is best for what activity as a guide.
My most creative time is morning. So I dedicate that time to work.
Mid morning is a great workout time for me. So when I'm done with work, I go workout.
I decided I can not blog every day any more. I love it, but it is time consuming. I have to be on Twitter & FB for my budding profession, so that's a habit I need to instil over blogging.
It comes down to priorities. What needs the bulk of my attention? Writing and health are way up there with Husband & family. To me, other stuff can be shuffled around. Yeah, so some of that doesn't get done as often as it should. LOL
Schedules & structure are my friend. This block of time is for this, that block of time is for that.
JOANNE: You made it under the wire, LOL! Your blog is not new to me, so I get to still visit you. ;-)
"Just pick a time and stick to it.." Oh dear... I. JUST. SAID. THAT. TO. MYSELF, just 10 minutes ago! Could it really be that simple??!!
MARY: And, just ten minutes ago, I was just looking at my "daily schedule". I tend to block out the time the same way, putting things when they work best for me. But... isn't there always a but... I don't always FOLLOW it. And there always seems to be extra and new stuff, that must be done, and something gets bumped from my routine schedule... hence, always behind.
The things with time deadlines get bumped to first in line (cut-sies we called it in school). So the artsy/crafty things, with no time deadline, get pushed farther and farther back. And that makes me feel pushed farther and farther away from the authentic ME, if that makes sense.
I totally relate to structure and schedules. I have always enjoyed their benefits... heck, I even PAINT using structure. That's what thumbnails are, and sketches, and underpaintings. No matter how loosey-goosey the final look, underneath it all is a foundation. I like that.
Well, I feel like I'm on the right track. I'll work on priorities, and block it out, and STICK to it. Hmm... sounds like an eating plan.... !! Hey, I know how to do that... ! Take the same skills in the weight loss arena, and use them on this different goal. Hmm.. I'll think on that.
Thanks!
Loretta
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i really like your blog..you are very creative..im not sure if i would have any tips on time management though..the one you came up with sounded good to me..lol i need to do that myself..iam trying to spend more time with my mom and sister and less time on here.so maybe make the blogs short so you dont have to spend alot of time doing it..i know you will find a way..have a great tuesday..loveya,kelli
My days are pretty much already planned out - staying on track is the thing!
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