By Kayla Hinrichs, Lead Educator
Nebraska Extension
What do you do with your time?
How is it that some people can get so much done and accomplished? The great news is that all of us, no matter who we are, have the same 24 hours per day. How can we best manage that 24 hours to get all that we want to do accomplished?
First, explore what work life balance looks like for you. Do you plan your day or just let it happen? Is it common for you to set goals for yourself? Are you working toward your dreams and enjoying life?
To maximize accomplishments each day, one effective method might be to use a calendar to chunk out time. Before the week ever starts, identify the things you have to do or want to do. So, write in or chunk time for any meetings, exercise, meal prep, or whatever you need to do. Be sure to also chunk time for things you enjoy each day. That will give you something to look forward to. Whether it is spending time with others, listening to your favorite podcast, or reading a book, make sure to plan time for what you enjoy each day. Brainstorm ways that you can use your talents and gifts to share with others. Have you scheduled time to do that this week? That will give you added energy. Then, schedule all other things around the time that you have left. If you have a plan for your week, you will be surprised how much more you can accomplish in 24 hours!
On the flip side of your calendar, make a list of the things you “must” do or accomplish this week; things you “should” do this week, and things that are “optional.” On the optional items, those might be things not very important or things further down the road that it would be helpful to get done now. In looking at your list, what items are things you could have others help you with that might best utilize their time and talents while allowing you to get your biggest projects completed?
As you think about your personal time management, do the activities you are doing align with your values? Or, are some of the projects you are working on someone else’s priorities? You will find that if you are not working the majority of your time on projects that you enjoy and are passionate about, it will take all of your energy to complete those projects. Plus, you will have little enthusiasm to work on them. When you have congruency between your work and what you enjoy and value in life, it is sometimes so enjoyable that it does not feel like work. It will give you more energy by completing those projects. Take notice what you enjoy and how you might do more of that in your life to lead to abundant satisfaction and happiness.
So, how do you plan to spend your 24 hours? Using these tips, maximize your efforts and feel great about your accomplishments.