Time Managers Experience More Peace

The annual "Spring Forward" time change occurs in many parts of the world. When 24 hours becomes 23 in the Sunday that follows. I dread it the night before it even happens. In that morning, I usually feel depleted from one less hour of sleep or time to get things done.

I have been resentful about who created this annual event, thinking I'll write a letter to the powers that be to stop this havoc they create in my life. They cause me to miss out on more time to walk, enjoy the sunrise, and pressure me to keep up with the shorter day ahead. I assume others feel the same way and will sign a petition also. But who am I kidding, do they really, or are they better time managers?

In reality, this day is not really different than the other 364 days. So many years I have piled on tasks until they become like a ball of rubber bands. Each band is like assignments and commitments accumulating to eventually form a ball for each one that isn't completed.

I pack on more than I can handle, the ball is so big I eventually scream out loud, "Enough!", like it's someone else's fault. Hoping no one heard my outburst, I have cried, laughed, felt embarrassed, and other times felt relieved releasing my frustration.

Throughout my day I grab at tasks stretching them so far as though each, including me, has no limit. I quickly discover the ball is weak from lack of a realistic plan. It all comes tumbling down. The tasks are still there, but without solid organization or attention. Neither of us win.

But perhaps there is too much on my proverbial plate. I said "yes" to a commitment when a "maybe" or a polite, "no, thank you" would have been best. Those commitments may be self-inflicted. I stretch myself and my days, like a rubber band about to snap. I tell myself, "tomorrow I'll do better".

Bottom line, my procrastination and unmanaged distractions cause my chaos. My lack of a good plan with discipline determined my destiny.

I determined this time change became a gift. Besides the later evening sunset hour, it gives an opportunity to reflect. Recognizing my personal distractions of checking multiple phone apps, email sites, social media, negative news, and headlines just lead us to a click for more. The time spent with these are often our biggest time depleters.

I realize that I, more than anyone else have more control over the turmoil. Not all, but much of it. I am accountable for decisions and actions, or lack of, that led me to this moment.

Maybe it was my dilly-dallying and procrastination, sleeping in more than I should have, allowing distractions, or even agreeing to doing something there simply isn't enough time for in my day.

I become less patient when I experience last minute inability to find my keys, my phone, my shoes, or complete final get-out-the-door tasks like feeding my fish, making my bed, etc. Traffic delays and empty tanks of gas are more of an issue when they shouldn't have been had I prepared realistically and better for the day ahead.

It's time to get things under control before it all tumbles, including me. "To-do lists" and daily calendar planners are a classic, tried and true ritual used by successful time managers who always appear calm and collect as they are more in control of their day, instead of the other way around. More than a sticky note, more like a personal manager that flashes at you all day to stay on task. Prioritize and stack each task with priorities at the top of the pile. If the pile is at its limit, you have no choice but to say, "no, thank you" to temptation that leads to turmoil.

Then follow through with a reward only after completion. Maybe it's a walk, read a book, take time to rest, and better yet, enjoy that later sunset. We deserve it.

With intentions to be a better Time Manager for peace,

Gina

Fusion Owner, Registered Nurse, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.