Mini-Training Series Part 1 (of 3): Time Management

Do you constantly struggle with lack of time?
 
Are you under pressure to be better and better at what you do?
 
Do you find yourself juggling and doing nothing properly?
 
Do you feel like you are missing it all – birthdays, celebrations, weekends, taste of a yummy dinner, important conversations – despite the fact that you are actually physically there?
 
 
Here is the solution: 
 
Do. Only. One. Thing. At. A. Time.
 
It is obvious and simple, right? But it is not easy.
 
It is not easy, because
 
a) we either get distracted by 50 000 or so thoughts going through our minds and it actually takes a conscious effort to not think about other things or
 
b) more and more of us actually get addicted to being constantly connected, constantly on, addicted to social media. In different ways it fulfils our needs of being significant and recognised so we feel we have to do it.
 
For at least those two reasons, it takes an extra effort to actually consciously dis–connect and just be with whatever you are doing right now. One thing. 
 
Benefits?

1. You enjoy it more. By paying attention to what you are doing, even if less enjoyable, you notice aspects of that task, which are more pleasant.

2. Get better at doing it.  As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, the more you focus on it, the more efficient you become.  

3. Time expands.  It is a common phenomenal that time passes slower when we do new things or experiences. Focusing on a task allows us to notice new things around, which makes the experience new every time and for that reason time slows down. It is particularly beneficial when undertaking tasks during the weekend or on holidays. 

4. Not missing anything or any details.  It is particularly beneficial to suspend all other thinking, other conversations and engage fully with whatever is in front of you. It can be anything from reading an important document to actively participating in a family celebration.

5. Sense of achievement. The more present you are, the more efficient and effective you are, and you are able to complete it (faster) which leads to a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Positive psychology shows that achievement is one of the five pillars of wellbeing.  
 

I bet you have questions like...: 
 

• But then what about the constant need to be across everything?

• What about the need to know more?

• If we only focus on one thing, we miss out on everything else, right?

 
I will discuss the answers to these questions in the next email in this series.