Oops, I did it again...
I’ve talked about my problem with time clutter here many times before. It continues to be a challenge for me since my desire to help others is so strong, I forget to think about myself, and my own needs, when I accept commitments. Back in May, I cleared my schedule completely for 2 weeks while I took the time to map out the vision, or direction, for my life, family and business. After mapping out the vision, I had to remove things from my schedule that didn’t fit into that vision.
It was a great feeling to get clarity on what was important in my life, family and business and then to let go of the things that didn’t represent that vision ~ or were actually dragging me away from it. This is exactly how clients feel when we work with them. It is so empowering, freeing and encouraging to map out the vision for your life, your work-flow and your stuff and then to let go of the stuff that isn’t supporting that.
Once you have gotten an area organized, it is so important to do what it takes to maintain that order. Time and time again, clients go back to their old habits and the clutter and disorganization creeps back in. I must admit that I am the same way with my time clutter issue. Since I like to be really involved in everything that I do, within a matter of a few months, I had accepted several obligations for leadership roles. The duties that come with those roles have now taken over my calendar again, leaving me little time for the things that are important to me in my life.
I saw the time clutter creeping back in, but I just didn’t know how to stop or control it. The answer was that I should have always kept my vision in the forefront of my mind and I should have said no to those things that didn’t honor that vision. I must admit I’ve probably let down several people by accepting the leadership obligations because I was more concerned about their needs than mine, and now dropping the ball by telling them that I can’t devote that much time and energy to what they need. In the end, I’ve got to spend the time I have, my life, doing the things that meet my goals, my passion and my vision for my life.
Are you letting things clutter up your time, your home or your office that drain you of energy you could be using more purposefully in another area of your life? You sure would make me feel alot better if you shared those challenges with me.
Comments
About the Author
Sue Anderson, CPO®, Owner of Simplified Living Solutions, is an expert in the professional organizing field, specializing in paper management and messy, unproductive desks, offices, home offices and filing systems.
Sue,
Hello my dear friend! I’m having a little lunch and reading your blog post. I love it. It is true, it is a constant challenge to keep clutter out of our lives, in whatever form that may come in. As you know I struggle with time clutter as well. However, I have to say, I’m getting really really really good at the word, ‘No’ and it feels so good. I felt bad at first and dealt with that. Now, I’m embracing it more and more and loving it. I am actually ENJOYING being ‘selfish’ with my time and energy. I even had what is probably a ‘normal’ weekend for most people this past weekend. Home alone with the toddler – in the past, I would have worked during her naps and been stressed when she woke up. But, I actually did housework while she napped and even called some girlfriends just to CHAT! I never used to do that because in my mind I didn’t have time! :-) This allowed me to feel rested and enjoy her while she was awake. Or, at least when she wasn’t being naughty! She is 3 after all.
But, yes, it is a constant battle because people are constantly asking for our time.
Have a super day! Take care of YOU! Talk to you soon,
Maulitta