| Organization |
A while ago, I found the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman at my local library. Reading it gave me a new and needed perspective. I had so many things I wanted to accomplish swirling around in my brain and just kept adding more. I’d fill my daily lists with more than I could accomplish. Then I’d either feel frustrated that I didn’t get everything done or rush through things halfway (at best) just to be able to check them off the list. Burkeman’s book gave me the much needed epiphany that I can’t possibly do everything and that’s okay. Now, when preparing my schedule for the next day or setting goals and working towards them, I try to keep the following in mind.
There is Only So Much Time in One Day
Each day offers us twenty-four hours. Within those hours, we have to sleep, eat, and tend to various set obligations. The remaining hours are available to fill as we choose, but there are only so many.
So, when writing daily schedules, be realistic and allow time to concentrate on your top priorities without filling in a bunch of distractions or more than can actually be accomplished. It’s also pretty liberating to schedule some open and free time for yourself, and if you don’t get to everything, let it go. If needed, schedule it for another day and don’t stress about not getting it done.
Realizing there is only so much time each day and only so much can be done within that time, remember sometimes it’s okay to say no. Saying no to other’s requests can be hard, but personal time is a precious resource. For example, let’s say someone is training for a marathon and schedules runs after work. Then a group of colleagues invites her to start going to happy hour after work with them. The happy hours might be fun, but the runs will prepare her for the marathon. A choice has to be made. If the marathon is an important priority, the happy hours will have to be turned down.
There is Only So Much Time in Your Life
No one knows how much time their life will lend them, but no matter the age one is blessed to live to, there is a finite amount of time. That reality means making the most of our time on Earth vital.
There are endless options for what we can do with this time, but we can only do so many things. With this in mind, it makes sense to take time to clarify what your priorities are and let the rest go.
When setting targets for the different areas of your life, don’t try to pick too many things. Hone in and get very specific about your top desires. For example, it would be pretty tricky to be a heavy weight body builder and ballerina at the same time. Choose your top priorities and desires. Then focus on those.
Concentrate on One Big Goal At a Time
Of course you will have multiple goals, but I’ve found it’s helpful to concentrate on one big goal at a time. When I try working on multiple goals at the same time, I notice I just do a little of each at a time and never really get anywhere.
Concentration is an important skill today. Our society is very distracting. There are constant images, videos, and advertisements about what we could be doing. Keep the goal you’re working on front and center in your thoughts. Focus your thoughts and actions on your target until you’ve accomplished it. Then you can move on to the next.
If you find you struggle with wanting to do it all, I’d highly recommend picking up Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals . I’d love to hear your takeaways if you do.