What are some effective time management strategies for pursuing personal interests outside of work?

Instead of doing a rational SMART exercise (almost sounds like work) consider what your purpose (life mission) is. People who are living meaningful and purposeful lives, are more happy and more resilient. Questions to help you discover your life mission are: how do you want to be remembered after you are gone? What do you want people to say about you on your funeral? What would you do today if it were your last? Then you reflect on how much time you actually spend per day on what is really important to you (it will probably be shockingly little time). From there on you start making baby steps each day to spend your time differently. You can read all the tips in the sections below and choose what suits you best. Enjoy the ride!

Put your important personal and family appointments in your calendar first. Work the rest of your schedule around them. By putting your needs first you have more energy and resilience to do the tasks, jobs etc. you achieve more balance and satisfaction.

Having a destination in mind and S.M.A.R.T. Goals in place is essential. When I get up in the morning, my day starts with positive input. Whether it is reading a positive book, listening to a positive audio or watching a positive video. Doing so puts my mindset in the right frame. Result I get more accomplished. Yes, I have my bookings in advance, but I always ensure there is extra time to do the unexpected. I always have a schedule, and let others know that certain times are yours and you are not to be disturbed, this way you get the important things done. When you get things accomplished you reward yourself. With each challenge we face,look for the good so that we can grow. Guaranteed you finish this challenge the next one will appear.

Life is based on the choices that we make. If we don't like where we are at, then we have the option to change it. It may not be easy, but with determination and persistence, all things are possible. I love travelling and photography. I choose to do this. My work allows me to work a few hours a day. It's a decision with nothing to do with L.U.C.K = Labour Under Correct Knowledge. As long as I have an internet connection, it doesn't matter where I reside. My work is set up to benefit others. When we help enough others get what they want, we get what we need. The focus now is on improving productivity 10 fold. When you work with the right tools, life becomes easier. Everyone is born with greatness inside of them. Find it and use it.

??Best advice that I received from my boss recently: Don't try to achieve everything that you can do in 40 years for only one day. When you achieve one goal after another, you will feel unstoppable and have that drive to keep on going. You don't want to lose the momentum. The problem with this is: you don't have time to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Does it really help me grow in the long term OR I am just after the feeling of earning recognition one after another? ??Set boundaries and make meaningful goals that (1) align with your values and (2) will help you holistically in the long term. It should not compromise other important aspects of your life like your health or your relationship with others.

I went to Australia to visit my Uncle. He told me that he always worked hard and could get by. Then a friend told him to stop working so hard. He replied that I wouldn't pay all the bills if I didn't. The friend said no, stop and look at what you are doing, how can you do it more efficiently. When he did that he became very successful. Another aspect to pay attention to, it might not be easy but it will be worth it. As long as you work for a boss you will get by. When you work for yourself you have the opportunity to become successful. When you build something from the ground up it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Yes, it may mean long hours at first, but it will be worth it. Pay attention to others who have accomplished success.

In my work, I've consistently found that enriching oneself outside of work often leads to improved well-being. I start by reducing and limiting trivial decisions in my day. This could range from having a set work wardrobe to meal prepping. By reducing minor decisions, I free up mental bandwidth for meaningful pursuits. If a task, be it related to your hobby or a personal goal, takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. I found leveraging on this Two-Minute Rule effective and prevents minor tasks from piling up and becoming daunting. And embrace the power of 'No'. Remember that every 'yes' often means a 'no' to something else. Be selective about commitments, ensuring they align with both your professional and personal priorities.