Time Is On Your Side

Out of 24 hours, healthy people need to sleep 6-8 hours; a generous  8 hours for talking points. Sixteen hours of time each day to distribute as we please or as required by work, community, and, of course, the “Me Time” so frequently used in today’s vernacular. Many people live and work in the mental state of scarcity that we do not have enough: enough money, enough friends, enough fun, enough time.  As witnessed by the success of programs designed to improve time management, unless we are squandering our precious moments, we DO have enough time.  So, how do we squander? Researchers tell us that many people lose productive hours with:

• Procrastination (often fueled by dread or avoidance of an activity),
• Ego-driven needs–The need to be involved in every aspect of an activity (from a critical belief that ones self is the only person who can perform at an acceptable level), or
• Role conflicts in high velocity situations when there is a struggle between the empathetic self (one who takes others into consideration before self), the visionary self (one who pursues the vision with disregard for needs of others and tools to achieve the vision), and the practical self (one who effectively uses the necessary tools, but disregards direction and others to accomplish the task).

Procrastination = Time Degradation

Psychologists have identified many causes for procrastination: perfectionist tendencies, dread of perceived large tasks, over-confidence of capabilities, to name a few.  Procrastination is time problematic, and the behavior that most often accounts for less than desired results or poor performance. A relief tool: procrastination can be eliminated when we are able to break tasks into manageable activities—perform smaller chunks of the larger goal in a given, short time frame. Accomplishment of each small step can bring us closer to satisfaction. And satisfaction helps us to experience an abundance approach that strengthens our abilities for completion of all pursuits. Of course, procrastination is the conduit, or stream of consciousness, that takes us away from any activity that requires effort or thought outside of our comfort zone. And the ultimate demon in the mix of procrastination issues, is modern internet technology.  Developers have used the internet to create perfect venues for users to immediately escape. Internal discipline to limit technology-driven entertainment begins with our recognition of the hours, acceptance of the time lost, and personal accountability to control our use.

Ego Blocks

When our ego blocks others from performance, we rob ourselves of needed time and we rob others a development experience. There are habits of thinking, attitudes, that feed the insecurities for many of us who are joiners (belong to too many clubs or community organizations). And although the descriptor, “too many” is relative, depending on the uncommitted hours of any one person, there are many among us who suffer from meeting mania. Believe this; the meetings will happen with or without you. And, with few exceptions, the business that is conducted can be debriefed in a telecom or email later.  One less meeting this week can be the answer to a cherished dinner with a loved one, a little league baseball game, or a “once in a lifetime” concert.

Who Are You When Time is Flying?

Unique, intuitive responses drive human reactions to time-crunch situations. Research indicates that humans can experience internal conflicts in high velocity situations (when time is flying by). There are three external drivers that play an emotional tug-of-war when we are managing fast-paced actions: empathy (care and consideration for others), systems (visioning), practical thinking (pragmatic). We must understand how we think in fast-paced  to most effectively manage and experience a time-abundant attitude. For example, when a situation places some people in physical discomfort, (a hiking trail in humid, hot territory to reach a safe camp site), if we are highly empathetic, we may be inclined to sacrifice the journey, regardless of the necessity of the trip. A pragmatic person might design the trip to somewhat reduce discomfort with necessary tools, extra supplies and gear. The visionary, who is less empathetic, may be inclined to leave the trip plan to others, yet would press on to accomplish the trip with or without members of the team. We are all a combination of these roles. When we embrace our unique decision-making style, we can effectively use the valuable time by utilizing the support of others. The bonus of inclusion is empowerment of others. We lead ourselves and develop others.

Time Is On Your Side-Really

Even without the use of time matrix analytics, we are aware that some hours of each of day can be used more effectively. Solutions for all of the issues that leave us feeling as if hours are scarce can be resolved with a better understanding of our unique personality and decision-making styles.  Take time to appreciate and respect your hours, and remember, time spent demonstrating love and compassion is never wasted.