We have found that time, energy and money are essential components of living our calling. This week we’re looking at how to get more of these three precious resources in our lives.
Today, let’s look at how we can have more time to discover our purpose and live our legacy.
1. Use time blocking.
Time blocking is like a budget for your time. Write your important activities on a schedule, blocking out those times in writing, e.g. draw a box around these times on the schedule: Monday, 5-7 PM “Volunteer at library” and Wednesday, 9-11 AM “Health class.” Make the less important things fit around those important things.
2. Just say “no”
Stop making new commitments, at least until you’ve got your time management under control. Need help? See Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend.
3. Get rid of commitments that aren’t right for you.
Let someone else take care of the things that don’t fit you or your values or aren’t part of your plan to work toward your calling.
4. Simplify your environment.
Go for low maintenance options when possible: e.g. yard, clothes and hair style.
5. Really simplify your environment.
Get rid of unnecessary things that need to be maintained: e.g. an extra car, knick knack dust collectors and fake nails. Clearing out stuff at home means less to keep clean and organized.
6. Use time more efficiently.
When you’re doing something that doesn’t really require a lot of thought, sometimes it’s OK to double task. I’m not telling you to text and drive. Be safe! Consider, for example, Catching up with friends on your hands free phone during a long commute or listening to an audio book while cleaning instead of sitting to read it.
7. Get organized.
There are tons of resources online and professional organizers, too. How much time do you lose searching for your keys, getting an account straightened out after you forgot to pay a bill or digging through piles to find essential tax documents?
8. Plan the week’s meals in advance.
A little planning can save a lot of trips to the store throughout the week. Also, there’s less time spent standing in front of the open fridge asking yourself, “What should I fix for dinner?”
9. Pay for help.
If you don’t have to be the person to do a certain job, have someone else do it: e.g. yardwork, housework, taking the pet to the groomer and shopping. If you don’t want to use your money that way, maybe you could barter instead. For example, you could trade with a neighbor walking the dog for fixing dinners.
10. Cut back on “screen time.”
Time spent in front of a smart phone, tablet, computer an/or TV screens can really add up. Consider setting limits for yourself, e.g. Facebook for half an our each day, 2 games on the phone in the morning and your favorit TV show once a week.
