Finding Time To Do Things

Hi there! Today, we are talking about something more than the never-ending to-do list. This time, we are going to explore how to find time to do things. Yes, it sounds similar, doesn’t it? But we’re not just talking about things you have on your to-do list. These might also be family obligations, girl’s night out, date nights, appointments, etc…

The term “finding time” is one that I used to use quite often. As I’ve looked back on my life, I realize that I wasted quite a good lot of time, especially in my twenties. (Oh! If only I knew then what I know now!)

I’ve tried time-tracking, I tried (and sometimes still try every now and then) time-blocking in my planner. Since I’ve learned the value of time (time is money), I’ve cut back on somewhat useless activities. These are things like watching mindless tv, scrolling on social media during work time, sitting and staring into space, you name it). I’ve learned to prioritize important things like my health, family, kids, and my business because these things are important to me.

In my previous blog, The Never-Ending To-Do List, I said that you need to prioritize your tasks. Of course, this means the most important ones come first. This might mean scheduling family time or fun time around appointments or meetings. But, you also need to prioritize goals.

Actually, this blog kind of ties into one I wrote about ”My Experience With Swedish Death Cleaning”. When you own stuff, it seems to call to you to use it. Or, if you don’t, you feel guilty that you don’t have time to use it. I felt like that a lot when I was going to university. I knew where my priorities lay (studying, of course!) but there was so many other things I wanted to do. Sometimes, when I was procrastinating my work, I would start playing computer games, or start drawing because those were the things I liked to do, not the ones I had to do. My hope, is that when I get rid of my stuff, I will no longer feel guilty (because it won’t be there anymore), and there will less things to do.

Sometimes, I will set new goals every month. For instance, say you like to do crafts, and you have a variety of different ones you enjoy, but never get around to. Simply schedule them into your month. One week, try scrap-booking, next, do crochet, next, do some needlework, and once you’ve rotated at least once through all the things you want to do, start over. Or, try it with something else in your life.

I do this in my business with something called day-theming. Each day, I do another thing tied to my business, and the last day (Friday, and sometimes Saturday) is my “catch-up” day. For instance, Monday I journal, Tuesday I design stickers, Wednesday, I write, Thursday I edit. I also plan an entire week around key videos and I batch many videos at once during that scheduled time.

Scheduling really is key when you are finding it hard to find time to do things. For instance, it’s hard to be spontaneous if you have a lot on your plate. Book trips ahead of time, plan birthdays and dinner dates and fun things to do with friends and family, similar to how you would a doctor’s appointment.

Getting up early (if you’re a morning person) works great, or, staying up late when it’s quiet is another great time. I get far more done in my quiet time than I do when my kids are running around like crazy people.

Maybe you simply have too much to do and you need help. Please, DO NOT be afraid of asking for help, especially when you need it. There’s no point in driving yourself crazy or getting anxious or frustrated when someone in your life would probably be more than happy to help you. Maybe they can help clean the house while you do other things, or maybe they can do a menial task for your business while you work on more important things. (This also might be good time to look at hiring help for your business if you can afford it).

Whatever the case, lightening your load of tasks, whether they evolve around work or home might be the answer. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect, or to have all your ducks in a row. We are human, no one is perfect and remember, it is ok to ask for help!

❤️ SAN