Hopefully, we’re already experiencing the rewards of our choice to simplify different areas of our life.
We’ve spent the past 5 weeks creating order out of chaos, distinguishing what we love and what we can do without for the sake of simplicity. We’ve sifted through drawers, cabinets, closets, shelves, technology and beyond to eliminate the excess and create more white space to enjoy the life we’ve been given.
But what about our schedules? What about our 43,800 minutes each month that we get to choose how to live?
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” ~Steve Jobs
It’s impossible and unnecessary to account for every second in our day, and that’s not the spirit behind this quote or behind simplifying our time.
The truth is, we give up a lot of valuable time in taking care of the things we own, and when our life is filled with excess, we’re robbing ourselves of time we could be spending doing and being more. How many times have you given your time away to things you really didn’t want to do. Or allowed those around you to dictate your time in ways that had little benefit…all to feel significant, accepted and approved?
In the end, we’re left wondering where time went, unable to account for how we spent it, feeling unfulfilled while spinning our wheels and left wanting more.
More time for connections
More time for setting and accomplishing goals
More time to be active and moving
More time for new experiences and fresh space to relax
More time to do what brings us joy
Time is a gift, and I want to take better care to cherish it and use it wisely. In ways that will grow my mind, body, and spirit. In generous ways to help and nurture others. I want to tend to it with gratitude and govern it with intention and grace.
So, I’m changing things up this year. My life is much different from what it was 5 years ago. Everything is different, and I remember in the midst of so many changes thinking I would never be able to catch up and find my normal again.
Maybe you can identify.
No matter what phase of life we’re in, time is continuously speeding by, and playing catch up can become our norm if we’re not diligent and attentive to how we spend it.
The best thing I’ve done for myself is to keep an agenda outside of working hours. Accounting for my time during work is the easy part. It’s those unplanned hours after work that slip by unnoticed. Yet they are precious hours I want to tap into and explore how to best use them for my good and for the good of others.
The first thing I do is start with a clean slate each month.
Then, I have buckets designated for each of my main growth areas for the year. These are the same overall personal growth goals I placed on my vision board at the beginning of the year. You might want to do the same.
The buckets stay the same and roll over month to month, with the aim being to deposit into each bucket throughout the month. There’s’ no set requirement or list to check off. The goal is simply to make regular deposits.
My buckets help me intentionally set aside time while also allowing space for spontaneity. Each bucket has a color so it’s super easy to plan my time and activities according to buckets, and even easier to log unplanned deposits.
I have 7 buckets: Gather | Create | Study | Workout | Relax | Gratitude | Service
What a difference it has made already. I’m more inspired, more creative, more motivated and definitely more fulfilled! It’s teaching me to value my time, myself and others.
When we choose to honor the gift of time, we choose to honor ourselves and others. It’s a choice we won’t regret because through it, we’ll tap into who we really are, what brings us joy and how to grow to become the best version of ourselves.
How will you decide to maximize and simplify your time?
How will you use your 43,800 minutes each month?
It’s never too late to start!
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