TIME CHECK!

This week, I heard a popular phrase that always resonates:

“Time is the only thing you don’t get back so you must manage it well.”

 I believe this is such a true statement. Time is a precious commodity. In fact, it is the only thing that if lost cannot be recovered, literally. Many have said that it should be treated with care, as once spent, it is gone; it is the most important resource in life that needs to used wisely. We all get 24 hours daily. It is up to each of us to determine how we want to allocate those hours. Have you ever done your own personal time study? Where are your 24 hours going? What are you prioritizing? Who is receiving the benefit of your time? How much time are you allocating for yourself? These are the questions I encourage my professional journeys clients ask themselves.

 Many clients share that at the end of each day they wonder “Where did my day go?” After five, seven or even ten meetings it is true that you may feel like the day got away from you. The very first thing to acknowledge is that 5-7 or 10 meetings in one day is just too many! This type of schedule does not allow you time to process, think or strategize next steps. Moreover, it is not healthy. Many people with these type schedules complain of headaches, back aches, tension and mental exhaustion by the end of their day.

If this is you, it is time for change. I know what you are thinking “Easier said than done.” Here are a few tips as you plan how best to manage your gift of time this new year:

            Conduct your own time study: where are you spending your valuable time now?

• Analyze how you spend your 24 hours a day-where does your time go?

• Identify what activities occupy the most time-are they on the priority list?

• Account for what is missing- what are those things that never get your time?

• Acknowledge times that make you feel joy-when are you the most joyful?

Create a plan to better allocate and manage your time in 2025

• Account for: sleep, rest, work, screen/social media time, me time, family time, housework, mealtimes, etc.

• Decide strategically what is realistic for both your personal needs and professional needs.

• Identify the things you must do daily and those that are several times a week. For example, you may go to the gym 3 times a week.

• Make your plan realistic; be honest with yourself.

 Above all Enjoy the Journey! Remember: Time is a gift and Practice makes permanent.