Question of the decade – Why the hell are we all so busy?

What’s especially interesting is that in a time when we are surrounded by devices, apps and systems designed to help save time, we keep feeling like there is less and less of it.

In this post, we’re looking at 3 simple ways to gain clarity and confidence in our time management.

But first, let’s look at a few reasons why are we always busy.

• We think busier is better – at least we are conditioned to think that – society gives heavy clout to the masculine hustle mentality. In traditional belief systems, the ‘busier’ you are the more esteemed you are as a person.
• Financial necessity – Our lifestyles don’t come cheap Sis. High-demand, well-compensating jobs or multiple hustle jobs are normal ways for most millennials to afford their ‘comfortable lifestyle’.
• FOMO – we fear that if we are not doing something, we are missing out so we punctuate every second of our life with activities. We volunteer for every committee or attend every social event to prove to others ‘I’m still here, and’m relevant.
• In our over-connected world – we are always consuming, even when resting. Sitting with your phone on tic-tok can cost you 40 minutes in the blink of an eye. Time that would be better spent in the gym or walking outdoors. Honestly, the social media rabbit hole sometimes consumes us … and while we are watching  other people’s ideas and adventures –  our  precious time is better used actually living ours.

There is always hope, here are some ways we can manage always being busy

1. Make a Plan, write it down

I’m at a stage of my life where if it isn’t written down, there is little chance it’s getting done. This is for getting things done at work, at home and even for hanging out.

Have you ever gotten home at the end of the day, tired and cannot for the life of you remember what the hell you spent the day doing?

Or – do you ever get home and can’t remember what you needed to do so you end up sitting in your car and scrolling Instagram?

Planning gives you structure.

Get one notebook that’s small enough to carry around and write stuff down. Your phone notes are a great place for reminders as well- provided you will remember to check it.

When written down, a plan definitely helps to track your time and ensure you’re spending it in ways that are beneficial for you.

2. Know your Priorities

A great way to help you manage your time is to clarify your priorities.

Clear priorities make it easier for us to say enthusiastic yessss to the things that matter and unapologetic nos to the things that don’t. 

You are in the driver’s seat of your life so do not hesitate to make time for what matters most to you.

Our health, relationships, careers and service to the world are usually the top contenders for our time. As we figure out which of these have the highest priority we can dedicate our time intentionally.

Prioritizing what is important will give you more ease and grace in your life.

I use this life wheel with my paid coaching clients to help them to discover the things in their lives that are most important. Completing it can help identify what you consider as important and will guide you on how to prioritize your time.  I’m sharing it for free here.

3. Boundaries and Balance

So listen, there are these people out here talking about ‘Go hard or go home like going home is a bad thing.

Imma go ahead and let them know that … given the option, I’m always choosing to go home to rest.

That being said, I understand the importance of hard work.

Some results just can not be strategised. You just have to do the work. 

Sometimes depending on where we are in life, we must work long hours, finish the project, and spend our Saturdays in schools and offices to achieve our goals. 

I get that and I admire and honour you for doing what you must do. 

However, audacity is at an all-time high these days so you’re going to have to flex your boundary muscles. 

Before you waste time getting sucked into other people’s drama, helping with things that do not impact you, listening to gossip that does not enlighten etc. be sure to tell people when your plate is full and ask for help when you need it.

4. Self-Care

Additionally, balance your busy schedule by practising self-care. 

I know you are busy, so in this instance, I’m only suggesting 5-30 minutes of things like having a 20-minute bath, journaling for 10 minutes

or having an inspired 30-minute conservation with a dear friend.

Sometimes, self-care looks like being quiet, having a cup of coffee alone, or spending time by the ocean. 

Whichever way, be sure to step back from the chaos and carve out time for your most important resource, yourself.

To recap, being booked and busy is something we all experience at different points in our lives.

If however, it’s happening so regularly that you constantly find yourself feeling tired and overwhelmed – it’s time to do something about it.

We can help ourselves to manage time and being busy by planning and following through on those plans.  You should also prioritize what gets on that plan and protect those plans with strong boundaries, and self-care

I love to see the fascinating life you are creating.

Thank love you for listening, subscribing, commenting, and sharing.

We’ll link up next week…. in the meantime, keep doing the most.