I Don’t Have Time!!

How often do you say that?

And how often are you honest enough to recognise that it is an excuse?

I understand the struggle, after all I too have worked full time and raised children without family support in this country. The truth is that we all have a finite amount of time.

So let’s stop fighting reality and recognise that fact, because it simply makes the struggle harder.

The constant striving and fighting against the reality that we all have limited time and we have to make choices about how we spend our time ties us in knots. We end up so close to a problem that we can’t see our way out and we end up at our desk thinking “if I just stay here until this is finished, it will be ok”.

I wrote in my last newsletter?about creating that strategic pause within your day, week, month and year. I know that can be easier said than done, and to do so there are some questions we should ask ourselves:

What are my priorities?

When we have clarity on our purpose and the outcomes we are looking for in the mid to long term then we can start to shape our lives accordingly.

What will move me one step closer in the right direction today?

As Stephen Covey wrote:

“The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

How do I “find time” for a 5 day yoga retreat? I acknowledge that this time to myself away from my husband, kids and work is a valuable way for me to recharge my batteries and reconnect with my mind and body, and then I book it in, well in advance. Finally, I honour my commitment to myself and plan my work and family life around it.

Working with a client recently she realised that 2023 had disappeared in a whirl of activity with hardly any time off work all year, which had left her exhausted by November. So, this year she is honouring her priority of her wellbeing and booking time out of her calendar now for holiday breaks throughout the year.

Shifting your focus from managing your time to managing your energy can be helpful because the best leaders know that they can only give their best to their families and their employees when they are looking after all realms of their energy: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

And finally learn to say No!

Warren Buffet once said:

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

What are your priorities this year? And how are you ensuring you honour them?

If you would like to get clear on your priorities this year and create a plan to honour them, addressing the obstacles (both internal and external) which will arise along the way then let’s chat.

With love,

Sue