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Have you ever wished for more time, less overwhelm, or enhanced organization? I have, so I was eager to learn more about an assessment my coach - yes coaches have coaches - introduced to me on time mastery.
I took the assessment because I wanted to manage my growing success with little to no experience of overwhelm. The Time Mastery self-assessment was right on, but more impressive was the info in the report it generated. The report spoke of many aspects of achieving time mastery like self-management, changing one's thinking and habits, and staying focused. What stood out for me was a Chinese Proverb:
"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life lies in eliminating the nonessentials."
This proverb speaks to the choices we must make about what to do and what not to do with the time we have. Because we cannot make more time, we can only manage ourselves and how we invest, not spend, our time.
We start with an awareness of how we are currently spending our time, and decide if we are investing or wasting it. The time we are wasting involves the activities we should give up, leave undone.
Making this change usually involves internal changes, i.e., changing our mindset and related behaviors. Clearly defining the new habits, behaviors and self-talk with which we will replace the old, time wasting, draining habits.
If you are like me, it will be hard to make changes to old habits. Sometimes, it is helpful to create a clear vision to accompany clear thoughts about new habits. See yourself when you've mastered time. What will you will feel like. How your environment will look and feel as it reflects the new you. Imagine the energy and opportunities that will accompany this mastery.
Whenever you are learning something new practice makes perfect. OK, not perfect, but practice does help to turn learned behaviors into habits. Do your best to resist temptations to stray from your path of practice, because each time you stray you set yourself back at the beginning of your learning path. But if you should stray, be gentle and forgive yourself. Then, pick yourself up and set yourself more firmly on your path to time mastery.
Know your limits, don't rush, and ask for help when needed. Tell trusted friends and family of your time mastery goals and engage their support in keeping on track and celebrating your wins - big and small. Remember that mastery will not come overnight and just staying the path deserves celebration.
The biggest celebrations are around what you have the courage to give up, let go of and leave undone ... without stress and guilt. Remembering that balance is not an absolute, but something to achieve so that your peace and success outweigh stress and overwhelm.
To help you identify your goals and stay the path, you may want to hire a coach. If so, I would be honored to share what I've learned on my path of success and peace.
For now, please share your thoughts around mastering time and what you've given up or left undone to achieve your personal or business success. Just click the "comments" below and share your thoughts and feelings. Collective wisdom is invaluable.
Peace and joy,
Karen McMillan
Conscious Leadership and Retreat Coach
