Making time for what matters most

We are busy.

 Sometimes we are busy because it is simply what others expect us to be.  Caught up in the delusion that our value is determined by what others think of us, we are work at a frenzied pace to gain their approval.

Sometimes we are busy because we are busy.  We have a regular regimen of responsibility that is enough for us but, then, there are those unpredictable things that invade our time and space that require our attention as well.  we find ourselves unwittingly buried underneath an avalanche of unplanned responsibilities.

How do we navigate through such times of heightened activity and blatant busy-ness?  Where do we find time for the things that really matter?

I can talk about that as a "victim" of a hectic schedule made more unmanageable by my unwise decisions and unclear priorities.  Here are some suggestions that I'm trying to implement to make time for what matters most.

1.  Priortize what needs to be done today.  This requires meaningful life goals (life-coaching can help you with this) that will help you set appropriate boundaries.  This is bringing the short term demands in alliance with the long term directions you've chosen for yourself.

2.  Practice saying "no".  This simple word will help you close the door on unwelcome and unnecessary intruders that would rob you of time and energy.

3.  Pace yourself.  Allow yourself enough time to do what you need to do with the excellence that will give you a sense of satisfaction when you have completed the task.

4.  Protect yourself from feelings of guilt.  Identify the things that make you want to say "yes" begrudgingly when you recognize you should say "no".  I have had to word to rid myself of an arropgant messianic complex that has deluded me into thinking I can fix  everything!

5.  Plan time for yourself.  Write it into your schedule, or, it will never happen.  A rested "you" will make all of your appointments potentially more productive and all of your relationships potentially more meaningful.

It's all right to be busy...but not at the expense of missing what matters most.