We’re all busy.
Everyone knows how to say, “I don’t have time.”
Almost everyone feels like they have more to do than they can reasonably “get done” in one hour, one day or one week. So where does that leave us when it comes to creativity, developing new skills, coming up with new business strategies or even relaxation? Most often, these “important,” but not critical actions are shelved as we react to everything else that comes our way.
What to do?
This may not be the first time you’ve heard something like this, but it never hurts to hear it again…
Try setting aside 20 minutes of one day each week for the next 6 weeks. During this time, turn off your cellphone or other electronic devices and find a quiet place to sit with a pen and paper (preferably a notebook that will continue to be used for this activity). On that piece of paper, write “important to me” at the top.
Then write down 1 or 2 things that are important to you. That’s right, just 1 or 2 items, not 25. These items could be quality time with someone you care about, new ideas for your business, getting in shape, practicing piano (I had to throw that one in there :) ) or taking time to relax.
Next, write “why these are important to me,” and then write down the reasons for their importance in your life.
Third, write “steps to implement this week” in order to achieve these important objectives. You could then write something you intend to do each day with the idea that you will look at this notebook or piece of paper at the beginning of every day. That’s right, if you look at it first thing in the morning, your likelihood of following through is greatly increased.
Finally, write down “why this matters” to you. This portion of your writing could be about a larger goal such as, “I now have a formula that works for me to accomplish goals,” or “I value time to think about new ways to improve my business,” or anything else that comes to mind.
Example:
let’s frame this example by picturing that the person who is writing this is someone who has performed recitals in the past and has been overcome with debilitating performance anxiety
• “important to me:” feeling well prepared for my piano recital on May 21, 2011
• “why this is important to me:” because I want to feel comfortable enough with the music that I can express myself and inspire the audience
• “steps to implement this week:” memorize 4 measures every day this week so that I’ve memorized one of the four pages by the end of the week
• “why this matters:” if I memorize the entire piece one month before I perform the recital (by April 21), I will have time to nurture the piece, have fun with it and inspire others in the audience who are nervous about performing.
There is almost never time to do what I have described above unless you make a decision today to give yourself this 6 week gift. You’ll probably decide to continue with this activity when you experience your exciting new results! Please share this idea with anyone who you think might benefit from this information.
