Is anyone not busy? One of the side effects of our fast-paced, technology driven society is we don’t have enough time for ourselves. We’re so busy with work, school, children, businesses, friends, and family that we don’t get our much-needed alone time.
We know instinctively it’s about making ourselves a priority. When you make yourself a priority you make time to do the things that make you happy, rested, and full of vigor. Why is it so hard to make ourselves a priority?
Look at your schedule the last few months. Did you pencil in appointments for yourself? Or did you fill it all with appointments for others. Don’t you count? Of course, you do. It’s the “cobbler’s children have no shoes” syndrome at work. You get so busy assisting others that you don’t make time for yourself.
Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. The days aren’t going to get any longer. You need to make yourself a priority.
Here’s some things you can do:
Stop feeling guilty. Examine why you feel guilty making time for yourself. When you get pulled in different directions you’re not effective at what you’re doing. It’s better to take time for yourself, recharge and regroup, and then move forward getting things done. Work on getting rid of the guilt.
Plan your “Me” time. At the start of the week, write out your calendar. Put your “me” time into your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself, for yourself. Why not? You make appointments with other people? Why can’t you make one for yourself? If your answer is “It makes me feel guilty,” reread the paragraph above.
Eliminate wasteful time. Figure out the things that waste your time and get rid of them. Replace the wasteful time with time for yourself. For example, cut back on the amount of television you watch or long lunches you take. Work at being more efficient and getting things done in a better way. Create time for yourself with the time you save.
Learn to delegate. Find ways to have other people do some of your things. Delegate tasks where you can. Don’t shoulder so much burden. Ask for help. For some people asking for help is nearly impossible. No one is an island. We’re social animals. We all have friends and associates who can help us when we need it. The time you save can contribute to your “me” fund.
Learn to say no. Once of the best things you can do is learn to say no. Don’t try to please everyone all the time. Pick and choose your battles. Say no where it’s appropriate and where it benefits you the most. You don’t want to be obstinate. You want to be supportive but not always at your expense. Learning to say no can be very liberating.
