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Managing time, expectations, and lifestyle

Tips on organizing our daily lives

This is not intended to be a coaching session to figure out how to manage life. Everyone struggles through life (myself included), but at least we can help each other out a bit. These are some tips that, at some point of my life, have been helpful to go about my day. Don’t be afraid to try things out and see what works for you. I got these tips from books, and other places (it’s not any original idea, and it doesn’t have to be).

Wake up calmly

During your early mornings, it is helpful to focus on strengthening your mind and body. Avoid phones, TV, or anything like that. Having time to wake up calmly, to meditate and to have a meal; all of that can make your day much better physically and emotionally. It's not about waking up at 5 am or something like that, but just giving yourself time before going to work.

Manage your time

Do the most important thing first each day. If nothing else in the day ends up working, at least you got this one thing done. One step at a time!

Use a calendar. Some people prefer blocking chunks of time for each activity. The advantage of this is that you can focus on each task, not getting discouraged by a huge to-do list that never gets done because there are more tasks than you can ever handle.

If you like to-do lists, then avoid overdoing it. Maybe plan on 3-5 tasks each day (3 mains job related ones and other simpler tasks).

Have a singular focus while doing a task. Distraction is a trap.

Take small breaks!

If you always have a lot going on, schedule everything. If you need to schedule meetings, make them short whenever possible (avoid it otherwise).

If you can do something in 5 minutes, get it done now.

Don’t forget that there is always more to do, so control the impulse to overwork each day. It is ok to stop. Not only ok, it is necessary to rest. Your time is precious, so value it with care.

Lifestyle

If you struggle with procrastination, try to be honest with yourself and get to know your weak points. If the internet is a distraction, turn it off when you don’t need it. Switch off your phone, that sort of thing. Know yourself.

Always have a notebook and a pen or pencil with you. A pocket one is fine. It allows you to write down an idea, task, or anything you wish to draft or remember.

If you receive many emails, turn down notifications. They usually generate either distraction or anxiety.

Many people like the Pareto principle, that roughly 80% of the outcome comes from 20% of the input. People like theories and parameters… Whatever you like. The point is that it’s helpful to identify things you can do that generate value, as well as identify tasks that you spend much time on without generating much benefit from it. Try to use your time wisely, benefiting yourself and others around you.

Say no to things that do not support your goals and beliefs. You don’t have to please everyone. Saying no is healthy (within reason, please).

Focus on your strengths, abilities and passions (delegate the rest, or ask for help). Usually more people are willing to help than you would imagine.

Organize your activities in projects and make themes for each one. Being productive is more about being involved wholeheartedly in those activities, rather than a “time management” thing.

Make an effort to exercise regularly. Physical exercise!

Take notes about your day and review them in the evenings (review your ideas, tasks, anything). Reflecting about what worked, what didn’t work, and ideas, help you to know yourself and to plan for the future. Also it helps you to be more purposeful each day.

Final remarks

Once again, I struggle with all of those. But we can be helpful by sharing and having grace with each other, and with ourselves.

If it’s too much, I could sum it up in just three ideas: take time in your morning to reflect and set your day, try to live your day intentionally, and take time in the evening to review and rest.

This is a challenge for me, and I have this written down so I can remember it myself. Maybe it can be of use for you too.