Are You Struggling With Enough Time?

When somebody asks you how important self-care is, many of you may answer the way I used to.  Are you kidding, I don’t have time to pee, much less think about myself. The way I used to run my life, this statement was very true. Then I got tired of all the chaos and feeling as though so much time was being wasted. It was then I realized the problem was not that I did not have enough time; the problem was the way I used my time.

Value Your Time More Than Anything Else

There is an abundance of research that supports that when you want to change something about yourself, you need to become more self-aware. Begin by taking an honest look at how you use your time. For one week, mark down what you did every day. Where did your time go? Take a careful and honest look at where you are spending your time. Once you evaluate your schedule, does it reflect that you are spending time on the things you value most?

Make a list of What You Value

Start by making a list of things you value and hold nearest and dearest to your heart. Look at the list and carefully prioritize it down to the top 3-4 things you value most.  For example, the list may include the people closest to you, things you personally love or have a passion for, and/or causes you want to contribute your time to. Whatever it is, make sure your list has the top 3-4 things on it that you value. Once your list is complete, look at your schedule and make sure you block in time for these things first on your list. Make sure your schedule reflects these 3-4 priorities. This does not mean you have to allocate more time to these things. Begin by changing your mindset that what YOU value most goes into your schedule first.

Filter your Time and Set Boundaries

One of the hardest things for me to say is, “No.”  It is one of the easiest complete sentences to say, but I seldom say it enough when it comes to my time. Everyday our time is on the line. Do you have a system for filtering and prioritizing your schedule? 

 One of the people I have on my value list is my Mother. She is 85 years old and she is not in good health. She lives 2500 miles away from me in a nursing home. She gets Tuesday and Thursday nights at a certain time dedicated in my schedule for FaceTime. In rare occasions I may have to change the day or time and so does she, but we seldom if ever miss it. This is time I value!

When you think of time, never think in terms of having enough it. Think in terms of investing your time into the things you value most. Are you spending your time on adding value to yourself and those around you? When you look at your schedule, do you see value, waste, or chaos?  The problem may not be that you don’t have enough time; the problem usually is the way you use your time! Your time is the only commodity you cannot get back. Value it!

Share below a few examples of things you value when it comes to your time.