MORE TIME, PLEASE
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019
How many people do you know, active, productive types, who boast of having 'not enough to challenge them' or 'too much spare time'?
The reality of busy lives, superstars in optimum career mode or ordinary strugglers of all ages – we have too much to do, try to do too much and sometimes drive ourselves a little nuts by making long to-do lists and then scarcely dent the list or the pile …
Doing more by doing less is, I believe, a mantra worth practicing. Do one thing, finish it, then move on to the next thing. Whether you keep it all in your head, make lists or use some software scheduling tool on one of your devices – the re-triage is a necessity. I've been wrestling this rope like it was a big rock to push or roll up a steep hill most of my life. I've re-worked how I manage my work, tasks, and schedule too many times to want to count. I've found some techniques to help me better attain the 'one thing at a time' mantra.
In-box zero; mix work and personal items; once something is up-to-date, don't let it slide; phone on do-not-disturb mode ALL THE TIME; don't leave dirty dishes in the sink – wash them frequently.
This theoretical exercise is one we all go through, morning to night, trying to squeeze one last drop of lemonade out of today's lemon, only to repeat this routine tomorrow.
Unless
Unless we recognize that, no matter how much we get more efficient in saving work steps and concrete steps, we are not a factory's time-motion study, but rather a time-emotion reality. Our short attention span takes us from the main thing to a hundred other things, and back again before our cup of coffee gets cold.
Solution
If there is a solution, it is a blend of more sleep, better food/fuel in our tank, and better focus. By better focus, I mean something so compelling we cannot help but focus on it, spend energy on it, and make it work no matter how many sideline spectators think we are nuts. If the focus isn't that strong, then clearly, you aren't committed enough to THAT THING to give it your focus, which should be the message you need to hear to move on to something else which can turn your crank, float your boat, and ring your chimes.
Reader feedback:
Loved the column today, as usual, but without a deadline when do we stop cutting and polishing and finally hit send. LH, Lethbridge, AB
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