We all need more time. Time is the most valuable currency and getting ahead of your week is priceless. Unlike money, time can’t be saved for a rainy day. We can’t share time with a person needing more or even donate it for a tax write off. And while many people can find time to focus on one task, very few can balance allotted time and energy to be productively effecient throughout the week.
Here are a few tips to help you in getting ahead of your week:
If you don’t already use some type of calendar or planner now is the time to get one. Most people keep work related events on a calendar, but very few plan for social or family events and make purposeful time for these. While you would love to have time for everything that comes up in your day, it’s just not possible.
Sundays are the best days to sit down with your planner and prioritize the events and responsibilities of the week. Even blocking off the simple tasks like time to get groceries, or time needed to drive to a meeting can help you manage what needs to be done.
Most importantly don’t forget adding time for yourself and time with family to the calendar. Prioritize exercise and time to focus on others. Without this balance in you weekly plan, work will overtake your schedule and you will begin to suffer in your physical health, state of mind, and relationships.
What’s your wake up time? If you are pushing your morning to get out the door on time and speeding into work, it’s time to reset your alarm. Set your alarm with extra time to drink coffee, read or fit in an exercise. Then make a point to get to work early so you have time to organize for your day.
For most leaders, when you enter the door to work, people are ready to target you. It is overwhelming to walk in from a rushed morning and be bombarded by problems. You need time to literally put your things down and organize your thoughts for the day. The only way this can happen is to get in early.
As a leader myself, I had to make this work and the only way I could, was to set my alarm for 4:00 AM. It was initially very hard, but as I forced myself out of bed over a period of time, it just became natural. However, in order to keep myself going at this rate, I had to make bedtime a priority. There is always a give and take, but your health and state of mind should take priority. Prioritize taking mornings slow.
If you are surrounded by workaholics you will become one. Surrounding yourself with mediocre people will have an effect on you. Find a balance of relationships. Hang with people that prioritize family and others. Friends outside of work and your profession give you opportunity for mindless thought. Hang with those that push you to relax and have fun.
If you are an introvert and making friends is not your thing, try to stay in touch with those close friends or family members. Travel alone or give yourself “night outs” alone. (I for one LOVE to go to a movie by myself. I get the entire bag of popcorn and find a seat away from everyone else. It is my decompressing time…no talking, just listening.) Simple relationships help to keep us balanced and in check of our own emotional well-being.
