It’s a simple message to “take control of your time” but easier said than done
Taking control of your time is an important discipline as it is one sure way to reduce your stress levels and actually get more done.
And of course, that will have many benefits to both you and your family as you will feel less tired, overwhelmed, and under pressure.
Parenting even on challenging days will become easier – by taking control of your time.
Many arguments start because people are chasing the clock – running late and trying to cram more into their day than really is practical.
The thing about being a parent is there is always something to do – normally for someone else. So actually the only way you can make more time is to manage the time you have better; and put the things that need to be done that day at the top of the list, not the bottom. Then determine how much time you are going to spend on that task and try to stick to it.
Step 1. Decide to take control of your time
Decide what you want to achieve today, and set just one goal that is important for you to accomplish. This goal is then is your highest priority today. If possible write your goal down. Often by writing things down – they become sort of hardwired into your head – and are less likely to be hijacked by other events. Put an estimate of how long you believe that task will take. – This is important as it gives the task a perspective of the time it will take. Sometimes it is the thought of having to do something that you don’t want to do and causes you to procrastinate.
Step 2 Discard -if it is not really necessary
Add to the goal you have written down anything else you were planning to do today. Now take a look at the list and put a line through everything you don’t really need to do today and everything you don’t want to do. There should be quite a few crosses on your list now – if you have been honest with yourself.
Step 3 Delegate, delegate, delegate
Another challenge that can eat up our time is trying to do everything all the time. Whether the motives are you like things are done in a certain way or you just feel guilty that you are not doing everything yourself. Maybe it is being under the misapprehension that others manage the same stuff much better. It doesn’t matter. The solution is whenever possible delegate, delegate, delegate.
Try delegating anything that other people can do. Even if you know that you can do it more quickly and better than they will. The thing is practice makes perfect – and over time the family will become more adept at these tasks.
Its all about discipline
Actually, its not just about discipline – it’s about your own self-discipline. And as with many other things in life, this is something you have to be mindful of on a daily basis. In the same way that you may be mindful of many other aspects of your life. Creating self-discipline within your life by developing routines or positive habits will support you manage your time and will help you take control of your time more easily.
Following the above steps will free up some of your precious time and you will be left with just the one thing you want to achieve today and the tasks you want to do.
Repeat daily for a week and see how your energy levels improve and your stress levels fall.
