How many times do we say, “I just don’t have time to do that!”
If you are like me, it can be a frequent comment. What we are really saying to ourselves and the world is that whatever task we are “supposed” to do simply does not have our interest or attention.
If it did……you would make the time.
Here is the reality. In our calendar, you do have hidden time that is available if you want it to be.
Here Is the truth. You have to be willing to move out of your comfort zone to get some things done.
The Important Task or Project
Using an easy example of a big project – such as writing a book. It has been said that I most of us have a book inside us, yet many do not take the time to write a book.
Why?
Not enough time.
Here is the reality. In your calendar, you do have time to write a book, depending on how important it is to you.
Here is the truth. Writing a book requires self-discipline and perseverance.
Most things that will matter to us will take self-discipline and perseverance.
Recently, I had a discussion with mom of a college student, who was taking six years to finish his undergraduate degree. I asked her why was it taking two extra years. Her response was that he did not have self-discipline or perseverance. I asked her how was he going to manage in life without those two important skills. She asked me how should he learn them.
My response was – One day at a time of developing and creating good habits.
The result of his decision to not have good self-discipline was costing my mom friend thousands of dollars in extra tuition for each extra year.
Secret of Asking Yourself – How Could I Get This Done?
By shifting the question you ask yourself to “How could I get this done?”, you allow your subconscious mind to come up with answers. Listen carefully. Jot down the answers that come to your mind.
For example, you could say no to current projects that may not have a much meaning to make space in your calendar to provide writing time. You could wake up early and write for one hour when it is quiet. You could dictate your thoughts rather than type out the book contents.
There is time in your schedule if writing a book is a priority in your life.
Ask yourself the question.
Secret of Shifting Your Time
We are creatures of habit. We feel safe within the structure we have created for ourselves – our routines. What happens when you disrupt that routine —- for the better?
Let’s say that you hate your morning commute. It takes you at least 60 minutes in the morning when you leave at 8 a.m. One time you left early —- at 6 a.m. and were amazed that the commute only took 30 minutes. The same is true for the evening commute.
Hmmmm.
Would it be possible to re-capture one hour a day, simply by shifting your schedule? Is it possible to go to bed earlier and get up earlier, so that you do some of your morning tasks at the office rather than at home? For example, the tasks of journaling, reading, meditation, eating breakfast can be done when you arrive at the office at 6:30 a.m. rather than doing those tasks at home.
Why sit in traffic if there are possible alternatives?
Conclusion
Take time to think about where there are pockets of hidden time in your schedule. Re-capturing that time will allow you to feel less stressed, accomplish more in less time and reduce anxiety.