Time for What Matters- How to Make Things Happen

Time…it’s something many of us want more of and what we value more as we age. It seems to be the topic of discussion everywhere we go and continually what we are desperately trying to manage. Why does it seem to be so difficult to manage our time? And how do we make time for what matters most when we feel as though we cannot possibly fit another thing into our schedule?

You know exactly what I am talking about because you have either heard or said things like…

“I wish I had time to exercise but…”

“I wish I could meet for coffee but…”

“I wish I could be there for your baseball game but…”

“I wish I could join the Bible Study but…”

Most of us at some point have “talked” about what we wish we could do. But talking and wishing are not how to make things happen.

If we want time for what matters, the only way it can happen is when what we “wish” for becomes a PRIORITY.

Once it is a priority, we will make it happen. But we still need to do more…

We need to write it down and then add it to our schedule.

Can it really be this easy? Yes, it can, as long as you know and truly desire what you make priority.

Yep…that’s a whole other article.

So what’s the easiest way to get started?

First… Consider making a list of what matters most to you. When we are clear about what’s most important, we will find it easier to prioritize and make wise decisions.

Second… Make it a priority by scheduling it. Mark it in your calendar, “reserve” the time, like when you make reservations for dinner.

Why schedule it? Why is this so important? Once we have something in writing and scheduled, we become committed. This doesn’t mean we cannot reschedule or cancel, but we are more likely to follow through if we have it scheduled versus if we just “think”, “wish”, or “talk” about doing something.

Scheduling is also another way of reminding us what’s most important. As I mentioned in a previous article, the distractions in life can steal our time, focus, and energy. Keeping a list and scheduling what matters most will help us experience a happier, more fulfilling life.

“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” -Stephen R. Covey

This does not have to be complicated. You can start with a baby step. Consider scheduling one thing from your list next week. Remember, all things, good or bad, start as a habit.

Tips and suggestions:

1. Have some sort of calendar. A calendar on your refrigerator may work well for some but for most women, we benefit more from a weekly calendar, even one with 15 minute increments can help.
2. Be easy on yourself. This may not happen overnight. No matter the size of your step, remember you are still moving forward.
3. It is ok to allow flexibility in your schedule. As a matter of fact, I encourage it.
4. Your plans may not always work out as you expect. Don’t fight them, learn from them.
5. Your priorities will change as you grow. What was important when you were 18 may not be when you are 30.

If you absolutely cannot find the time, I ever so kindly ask you to consider being honest with yourself. Because the truth in the matter is this, we typically will make time for what we really want to do. So is it true that you do not have time for what matters or are you excusing yourself because you really don’t want to make time for what matters or it’s not exactly clear to you what is most important right now in your life?

It is also possible that you have not considered the current things on your schedule. I invite you to take a closer look at your schedule. For most of us there is at least one thing we could say no to, to make time for what matters, like that reality show that really doesn’t add value to your life. Ouch!

Hey, I am just being honest because I have had to do the same things with my schedule. I completely understand that the truth does not always feel good. But I promise, in the long run, you will be glad someone took a bold step to share these things with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. It is my desire to encourage and empower you to love yourself and love your life by providing practical tools to help you on your journey.

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