My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
I'm a notorious list maker. As a working mom and wife, when I returned to college my second class was Personal Adjustment. We focused on assertiveness training and time management. Those years of multiple jobs for Tom and I, while we were both going to college and raising two active kids, made list making a lifeline.
There are probably many folks who don't rely on lists or they can keep it all in their heads. I'm speculating on this because I can't imagine me accomplishing anything using either strategy, or without my head flying off into outer space.
James' school recently put on their annual talent show. Super! The kids get a chance to strut their stuff. Well, perhaps it would have been super if the vocal music teacher hadn't used valuable rehearsal time to make tu-tus and tie dye t-shirts instead of asking for volunteers to help after school. Not sure if she keeps a to do list. If she does, I can't help but wonder how she prioritizes tasks.
My summer "break" is in session. It was tempting to once again try cruise control, not worry about a summer to do list, but I remember trying that a few years ago. To me, it was far more frustrating to look back over two months + and not have a clue about how I'd spent my time, than to have a list only partially fulfilled.
What works for me is to keep my personal vision and mission statements handy to help me stay focused. Call me crazy, but I actually typed up the most important things in my life, framed it and put it in my bathroom. Yep, every time I get in or out of the shower, or flush the toilet, there they are! When I think about what I want to accomplish in a day, or a week or longer, it's easier to keep my priorities in mind.
What works for me is to stop and ask myself often if I'm making tu-tus and tie dying shirts when I should be practicing for the show. That also means asking for help once in a while.
Do you find yourself focusing on the inconsequential and letting your priorities slip by? How do you stay productive and peaceful?
There are probably many folks who don't rely on lists or they can keep it all in their heads. I'm speculating on this because I can't imagine me accomplishing anything using either strategy, or without my head flying off into outer space.
James' school recently put on their annual talent show. Super! The kids get a chance to strut their stuff. Well, perhaps it would have been super if the vocal music teacher hadn't used valuable rehearsal time to make tu-tus and tie dye t-shirts instead of asking for volunteers to help after school. Not sure if she keeps a to do list. If she does, I can't help but wonder how she prioritizes tasks.
My summer "break" is in session. It was tempting to once again try cruise control, not worry about a summer to do list, but I remember trying that a few years ago. To me, it was far more frustrating to look back over two months + and not have a clue about how I'd spent my time, than to have a list only partially fulfilled.
What works for me is to keep my personal vision and mission statements handy to help me stay focused. Call me crazy, but I actually typed up the most important things in my life, framed it and put it in my bathroom. Yep, every time I get in or out of the shower, or flush the toilet, there they are! When I think about what I want to accomplish in a day, or a week or longer, it's easier to keep my priorities in mind.
What works for me is to stop and ask myself often if I'm making tu-tus and tie dying shirts when I should be practicing for the show. That also means asking for help once in a while.
Do you find yourself focusing on the inconsequential and letting your priorities slip by? How do you stay productive and peaceful?
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