Time is The Coin of Your Life
Posted on January 31, 2013 by Jeannea Spence, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Perhaps we can’t change the number of hours we have each day, but maybe we can create time.
“TIME IS THE COIN OF YOUR LIFE”
~ Carl Sandburg
Perhaps we can’t change the number of hours we have each day, but maybe we can create time. By utilizing time the way we choose, it can actually appear we are shifting it to work for, instead of against, us, thereby creating enough time to do all we choose in life. Leaders know that making empowered choices about how to use time is one of the key ingredients to success. Energetically, since time is such an important focus for us all, using your time the way you choose, and being clear about that, will keep your energy high. Little awareness of it leads to a sense of internal loss of control, which creates catabolic energy and stress. (iPEC, 2006-2011)
MAKE & USE LISTS Make the most of your smartphone. At the beginning of your day, create your “To Do” list. At the end of your day, review-looking for things you accomplished and those things that still need to be done the next day. Create a shopping list and instantly enter an item you need. Use your calendar to set appointments and create reminders.
AWARENESS: The REAL secret… that ONE thing that – once you get it – you will NEVER, EVER be out of balance again. Every time you are given the opportunity to answer “yes” or “no,” check in with your body – your gut instinct – and ask yourself, “Does this fit with my values?” and if it does, then ask, “Do I need it in my life right now or can it wait?” If you get a “yes” to both questions, then go for it and don’t look back. If your body is telling you otherwise, push the pause button or just say, “no.” The secret benefit of a heightened awareness and tuning into your body is that you keep your power. Rather than being victim to the circumstances in your life – at the mercy of an insanely busy schedule – you take total responsibility for YOU!
“NO” IS A COMPLETE SENTENCE: Do yourself a favor and do not dismiss this just because it sounds too simple. I promise you that saying “no” (preferably followed by “thank you”) is one of the most effective skills you can ever learn. Most of us don’t like saying “no” but we cannot say “yes” to everything, especially those things that don’t bring us positive energy, that aren’t a high priority in our lives, or align with our values. Saying “yes” to those things instantly sucks energy, confidence, and happiness from your life.
ASK FOR HELP: Stay connected to your family, friends, and support systems, and know when to reach out for help. You do not have to walk through life alone. Ask for advice. For assistance. Reach out.
GET ORGANIZED: being as organized as possible in every aspect of your life will reduce your stress level significantly. A place for everything and everything in its place. Sounds simple but you’d be amazed how much time gets wasted looking for keys, pens, the stapler, spare batteries, etc. Concentrate on one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is actually a disadvantage to productivity – the human mind works more efficiently when focused.
EXERCISE & SELF CARE: Get your heart rate up 30 minutes, 3X a week and stretch your body. Drink water and eat real food – not processed and junk. Get the proper rest for your body. Spend 15 minutes a day in quiet time away from the “busy”ness of life. Build downtime into your schedule – avoid burnout. Take short breaks. Take technology fasts. And turn off the TV – studies show it leads to depression and is at the very least a passive activity that in no way increases your energy.
