In 2020, a couple years into my coaching journey, I participated in a group coaching program. I loved the coach (still do, by the way) and knew I would learn a lot. The choice to do this was about how much I resonated with her, not necessarily about the content of the program. And then I realized the group coaching she offered was really all about slowing down and meditating. Ugh! I was not a fan of meditation. But I stuck with it, mostly because I wanted to be like this coach and have what she had. I got a lot out of it and am so grateful I didn’t walk away!
This was when I really understood that time management is not about time. I learned how to slow my brain down, do less, be more intentional and in turn, get more accomplished. (No, meditation is not a requirement!)
What?! How can that be possible?
We want time management to be all about the strategies. We want to create more time in our day by doing things faster and/or more efficiently. We think that if we get our calendar just right and create the perfect morning routine we’ll magically create time for all the other stuff. Sadly, it doesn’t work this way.
Time management is actually about energy and it’s about mindset. In order to have more effective time management, we must slow down, do less and we must incorporate the things that bring us joy.
When we slow down, we gain clarity. When we focus on our priorities (and do less of the stuff that is not a priority), we leave space in the calendar for ‘think time’ and joy. When we have fun, our creativity increases. When we feel rested, we have the energy to do things in less time.
In order to have more effective time management, we need to take care of ourselves, be kind to ourselves and be very intentional about the tasks we take on. This is why I am constantly asking for you to pause, do what feels best for you, and take care of yourself.
I’m not your typical time management coach because I know that time management is not about time. If you think I might be onto something, or are at least willing to give it a go, try out these tips…
Two Tips…
- Do something that brings you joy. It can be related to your work, your family or be exclusively for you but it needs to light you up with happiness. Then jump into your to do list and notice how much easier it is to work through it. (challenge: repeat this everyday!)
- Cut your to do list by 50%. Yes, cut it in half! You’ll likely get to more than half but this is about knowing what is most important. When you know that some tasks can go (whether they are delegated, deleted, or delayed), you’ll get to the priorities and probably have time to spare.
Ready to upgrade your time management skills? Reach out and let’s schedule a time to talk. The ‘Quit Chasing Squirrels’ community, a group or individual coaching could be just what you have been looking for.
