My Time Management Superpower - Part 3
In Part 1 of this series, we explored how our time is finite and valuable and that our physical abilities and situations will change frequently. In Part 2, we expanded that understanding to all of our loved ones. Now that we know what is important to us and what is at stake, it’s time to figure out how to fit it all in a day!
Fitting everything you want to get done into one day
This may seem daunting, overwhelming or impossible, but it’s important to remember that these are all things you want to do. These are the things that are letting you live your core values, savor your life, connect with your loved ones - so motivation will not be the issue, it’s pure time management.
First, consider listing out what you want to do outside of your basic activities (eat, sleep, work, mandatory chores). Since I have been working on the Project Warrior Podcast, I have been thinking of things in terms of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness. So here are some examples of activities I engage in frequently within each dimension:
Physical - walk, run, lift weights, swim
Emotional - journal
Intellectual - learn/practice different languages (Duolingo), read, listen to audiobooks/podcasts
Social - connect with loved ones, volunteer
Spiritual - meditate, pray
Environmental - declutter living spaces, spend time outside
Occupational - set healthy work/life boundaries to avoid toxic productivity
Now that you have an idea of how you want to invest in yourself here are two concepts that you may find useful when trying to fit these activities into your day:
Concept #1: The Non-Zero Day
I learned this concept from a reddit post back in 2013 and it is wonderful! Essentially, it’s the idea that you should focus on making a non-zero effort instead of trying to maintain the unsustainable discipline an ‘all or nothing’ approach requires.
For example, do you want to start working out but you don’t have the time or wherewithal to set aside 20 minutes, find a routine, etc.? Well, half a push-up is a non-zero amount of push-ups. Doing half a push-up is uncountably more than anyone who is doing zero push-ups.
What about spiritual wellness? Is it tough to get into a mindset that you think is appropriate for Spirituality? Well, five seconds of mindfulness is infinitely better than zero - five is a non-zero amount of mindfulness.
Perhaps there are some days that you will take some of these actions much farther than non-zero, and that’s great! Treasure and celebrate those days when you can, because those are days of indulgence. But simple non-zero days deserve that feeling of accomplishment as well because each non-zero task you complete is an investment in yourself - and, from basic investment best practices, frequent small deposits compound and grow into something much more profitable than infrequent large deposits.
Concept #2: Anti-Procrastination
I am an anti-procrastinator, almost to an unhealthy degree. If there is something on my to-do list, I have to get it done ASAP or it will bother me. I used to have professors in University say I handed in assignments too early!
I cannot fully understand the mind of a procrastinator, but one reason I think someone may want to wait to complete a task is because they think if they start early, they have to spend more time working on it up to the deadline. If that is the case, I can assure you that I absolutely do not spend more time working on things than a procrastinator. In fact, I probably spend less time and less energy on the tasks because I get it done as soon as possible and then do not have to think about it or worry about it up to the deadline.
The other advantage of the anti-procrastination mindset is that it anticipates our mini-mortality (from Part 1). Getting something done that’s due two weeks from now today or tomorrow allows for any unforeseen opportunity or emergency that pops up next week to take up the space and attention it needs.
I know it can be hard for someone who just doesn’t think that way, but try and reflect on what it would take for you to do something quicker than usual. Maybe it’s tricking yourself about the deadline? Or starting the task while someone is delegating it to you? (I have done this often when my boss is on the phone: I will share my screen and start the work right away under the guise of “is this what you mean?” - and by then, the task is about 80% done).
If you can manage to try anti-procrastination, take some time to reflect how it feels and whether or not the outcomes were better or worse than your regular routine. This may not be for everyone, but it’s worth giving it a fair trial and evaluation before you decide for yourself.
Conclusion
Time management is highly dependent on your motivation and greater purpose. If you are clear on what you want out of your life and firm on your values, you will start making choices from the heart instead of obligation. Life will still put you in difficult situations and may temporarily prevent your agency - so remember to give yourself grace and self-compassion in those times. Non-zero is plenty and you are always worthy and deserving of the investment.
I hope this series was helpful or provided some new insights. Please share your feedback in the comments or feel free to contact me. Stay tuned for next month’s blog on something different!
