Time
We get caught up in the busyness of living. It is difficult to know how to schedule everything. Often the items on anyone’s “To Do” list are impossible to get done in one day! When we prioritize our schedules properly we can get the most out of our daily 86,400 seconds. Here are some ways I have found to increase my effective use of time.
I am a planner, and usually organized. I like to make lists. One reason is I can free up space in my brain. Once I have recorded a task I no longer have to remember it because it has been anchored to my list. It also helps me to see how much I have accomplished, when items are crossed off, especially on days that otherwise may have appeared to be nonproductive.
In the past, I made long lists of things to do. I have used several systems to help me accomplish tasks on my lists. The long lists of things to do, became a reminder of things left undone. Soon I avoided completing the list, and then began to condemn myself for not keeping the list, even though I had learned completing my long lists was futile. Thus wasting more valuable time.
The Lists
Listed on the graphic above are some of the kinds of tasks that make their way onto “To Do” lists. Mostly tasks that we can anticipate. These events we can chart with some regularity. These tasks almost place themselves on the list because they are so predictable.
Those items less easy to list include: doctor’s office visits, vehicle repairs, school programs, illness, births, deaths, auto accidents, or home repairs; some unscheduled variables of life. The time that it takes to manage these life events is not held in a vessel waiting to be retrieved at will. They are more likely to appear, overtaking the most carefully mapped out schedule at the least desirable time.
That means that our best laid plans will always be impacted by the realities of daily living. To plan a schedule that has lack of flexibility for these types of variables is one way to guarantee failure. To continually rehearse failure is not healthy. It is like telling yourself, “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t” and then becoming frustrated because, you can’t! Practicing failure creates more stress, steals joy, and is time consuming.
Priorities
Instead of making the long lists of things to do, including those that would be nice to do but not necessarily vital, I began to list only the top five items that were more like must dos rather than may dos.
The must dos are those tasks, which are virtually mandatory by the end of my 86,400 seconds of time. It could be a project for work, a time sensitive correspondence, or meeting with the tax preparer. Certainly anyone of these items may be moved from the list to another day, especially if there is an emergency however, at the end of the day it is likely that I will be able to complete these tasks.
Begin at the Beginning
I have found when I place my priority on meeting with God early in the morning, first thing, it helps me to have the time to do everything else that I need to on that day. When I give God the time before my mind is cluttered with the activities of the day that time appears to exponentially increase my productivity, and effectiveness throughout the day!
Have you experienced that too? Surely this has happened to others besides me.
Beginning my day with the, Omnipotent, Omniscient, God who is love, gives me perspective on what is important for me to do on any given day. He orders my steps! It is empowering to know that the God of all sufficiency will take care of my day.
The primary work of this life is not simply for monetary gain. We are commanded to do God’s work for His glory. When we endeavor to do that He rewards us for our efforts. Put Him first, in your life, on your schedule, and He promises that you will have good success!
Love,
Deborah
“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”
Thanks Cina! AMEN! 🙂