Time Management: The Puzzle of Life
As interior designers, project managers, or business professionals, we tend to juggle multiple activities at work, and even life goals at the same time.
Doesn’t it all get a little overwhelming? I promised some people at the BBfam on how I manage to keep up with many small and large tasks, and move through them efficiently, effectively, and tirelessly. Hopefully we can all apply to this guide vigorously and kick procrastination in the butt!
Time management is a puzzle.
It starts out confusing and overwhelming with too many options. We try to understand the rules as we play. When we do understand that it is a game of life, too much time would’ve slipped through our hands.
We are presented with options in a limited way. Imagine that we see them in a 2-dimensional world. We have free will to select our options.
With limited information, experience and wisdom, we attempt to perceive value. We then pursue and we commit to these options.
We realise the impact of our decisions from a 2-dimension view. As soon as these options and life choices start to unfold in a 3-dimensional world, it is too late.
We are now looking at these commitments through either a regretful lens, or an appreciative one.
‘What I thought was a relaxing life-skill, turned out to be a boring guitar lesson. It was such a drag!’
‘What i thought was a boring time at church had me meet my wife! Who’d have known!’
Hopefully our life choices will be a sum of wise choices that reap more positive outcomes.. And will not compound into a heap of disappointment.
The Big Picture.
We can minimise destruction by not having a micro-view of our activities. But perhaps a macro-view on our purpose, and then picking out meaningful activities.
So instead of doing this …
…let’s try this instead!
Always start with ‘why’.
Simon Sinek famously wrote that there are only 2 ways to motivate a person.
Manipulation, or inspiration.
Let’s change our perspective: Let’s be thankful for the gift of time, and the opportunity to be doing what we’re doing.
Now, that we’ve received this gift of time, what are we going to do with it?
We understand our ‘why’. We understand that time is a gift and is limited. Now, allotting activities will come naturally. How will we meet our ‘why’? What will we do to meet our ‘why’?
Hot tip: Learn to say NO to activities that aren’t in alignment with our goals.
I grabbed this from somewhere that I cannot remember. Dear reader, if you recognise this, please email me to give proper credit.
A practical way to view how ‘why’ or a ‘belief’ works.
Now, let’s get practical.
A 3 idea approach on BEING PRODUCTIVE with your time.
Time Management.
Habits are essential. None of these things matter if we don’t create good habits.
It takes a lot of will power. The real test arrives when things aren’t going well for us.
Ask an astronaut how to fly to the moon, and they’ll say by using a checklist.
The most complicated things gets done via checklists.
You will be less anxious when you have your tasks/problems set out before you.
What’s urgent (people obligated tasks, time sensitive tasks)?
And which are the stuff that is your FOCUS of the day (passion, value adding, life giving tasks)?
Know yourself before charging ahead to conquer your tasks.
When are you the most creative?
Which part of the day should you do the most heavy lifting?
Personally, I like to smash the easiest stuff first so I gain momentum and morale to move to the bigger stuff. I complete all creative activities just before lunch. And I meet people after lunch.
Energy Management
What energizes you?
Having a plan isn’t enough. Remember that you need to physically execute the plan as well. Charge up! The body is our temple. We need to care for it and fuel it.
Here are some of the things that fill my battery up.
What’s yours?
Swim, run, row, leave the car behind.
I find what works to stay fit is to also be accountable with friends!
Encouraging each other through shared fitness activities on activity tracking devices.
Quickly find what works for your gut and how you react to food. Know your diet, and listen to your body. I operate better on an empty stomach. Contrary to many health beliefs, skipping breakfast seems to do it for me.
Minimalise consuming stuff that weighs or slows you down. I love beer, but too much of it and I kill an exceeding amount of time recovering from it.
A must have 2 times a day (all before 2.30pm)! With a cat nap in, if possible.
Meditate. Pray. Go away for awhile. While I get my exercise in, I prefer to run further, just to get away.
Get together with people who energise (motivate, inspire, encourage) you.
Stay away from people who drain you.
Reserve that energy to help those around you.
Be a sleep ninja. Explore all available tips and tricks to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep in.
You're able to get more done on a good night's sleep, not less.
Schedule these things on a DAILY basis, and feel that new you every morning!
Attention Management
Get those social media blinders on.
We live in a generation where social engineers are battling for our attention.
We need to practice focus.
‘Sports’ - They’re a great activity to train focus and attention.
You have no choice but to live in the moment if you want to improve your game.
WATCH THE BALL.
Pay attention to details. Narrow your focus. Minimise margins of error with good form.
Aim small, miss small.
The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey
Whether on or off the court, I know of no better way to begin to deal with anxiety than to place the mind on one’s breathing process.
Focusing on the task at hand while being mindful of the breath.. this allows us to manage distractions.
These are some methods I personally use to stay tuned in.
How about you?
And before I wrap it up, here are more hacks to do more.