We all know about time management, that dreaded art/science where we are supposed to become productivity machines, getting as many high-priority tasks done as humanly possible.
How has that been working for you? Are you getting everything you wanted done? Are you spending your time wisely, or does it feel like it is being wasted? More importantly, are you spending your time joyfully?
Most of us have learned the traditional method of time management, where all items on our to-do lists get prioritized as high, medium or low, and we are to attack the top of the list with gusto.
While this approach looks good on paper, it doesn’t take into account one critical component of the human condition: We rarely do anything we don’t truly want to do. If we continually force ourselves to work when we don’t want to, we either collapse from fatigue or chuck the whole process and resign ourselves to never having “enough time.”
If you are tired of constantly running on the hamster wheel of life without much to show for your efforts, maybe a different approach is in order. Here are several ways you can do more with the hours in the day while maintaining balance and happiness:
1. Get the juices flowing. You will always be more productive if you move your body first. Consider starting each day with some form of movement, whether it’s light stretching and deep breathing, a brisk walk around the block, or a 90-minute killer kickboxing class at the local gym. By bringing some much needed oxygen to your cells, you’ll find that you will stay healthier, think more clearly and have significantly more energy throughout the day.
2. Honor your clock. We each have a unique internal clock, and our productivity levels can dramatically shift depending on the hour of the day. If at all possible, schedule your most challenging tasks for the hours when you have the most energy. If you notice that your energy dips in the afternoons, reserve that time for activities that aren’t as mentally or physically difficult. Crafting that all-important e-mail to a key prospect while in the depths of your midday slump is not an effective use of your time.
3. Do the fun things first. If you start your workday with the most joyful task, you will set a pleasant tone for the rest of the day. Whenever we experience pleasure, we automatically get a burst of serotonin secreted from our brains. Use that serotonin buzz to your advantage as you address subsequent items you dread.
4. Reframe the uglies. Unfortunately, there will always be odious things we have to do at our jobs, such as creating budgets and disciplining employees. Instead of incessantly complaining or devising new and different tactics to avoid these duties, try viewing them through a different lens. All of those ugly tasks can be seen as important and necessary elements to the business you’ve chosen. Then they don’t need to rob you of your power any longer. Approach each task as if you want to do it instead of have to do it, because that is truly the case.
5. Slow down. We often cause errors or omissions when we operate at a fever pitch for an extended time. Instead of rushing through the day, try to savor each task. Spend just a few more moments with each one to make sure it is properly completed. You will save time by avoiding mistakes – and enjoy the process a great deal more.
6. Choose healthy distractions. Let’s face it: There will be times when you just want to goof off. This desire to escape is a natural response to intense work. Instead of wasting precious minutes surreptitiously watching YouTube, playing an online game, or surfing eBay, go to the kitchen to get a nutritious snack. Or take a walk for 15 minutes, or simply step outside for a breath of fresh air. Getting away from your desk to clear your head can improve your productivity and provide clarity on issues you are struggling with.
7. Celebrate victories. When you finally complete that big project, pop the champagne (figuratively speaking). Often, we jump so quickly from task to task that we don’t stop to appreciate how much we accomplish every day. The next time you finish an assignment, take a few moments to reflect on your efforts and acknowledge your skill and determination. This will give you the fuel you need to tackle the next initiative.
When adopting this new approach, it is important to recognize and accept that there will never be a moment when you get everything done. There will always be incomplete items on the to-do list. Instead of perceiving work life as a constant battle between tasks and limited time, look at each day as another opportunity to accomplish great things in a joyful manner. By incorporating these mindfulness techniques, you will find that you will get more done in a shorter period of time.
Ultimately, we all want to enjoy ourselves personally and professionally – not work ourselves into an early grave. If you find yourself fixated on the elusive destination instead of enjoying the journey of your life, then maybe it is time to stop managing your time so rigidly and start managing your joy.
