More Than WE Know

 “It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

- Henry David Thoreau

 Another week, another goal check-in.  Those of you who read my Saturday discussion of time management     know that I had a bit of an epiphany. 

Time Management isn’t just about finding ways to cram more tasks onto your to-do list, it’s to really ensure that your daily actions are in line with your higher values.

I had already started down that road a few weeks ago when I decided to focus more on my health than on my daily to-do’s.  Now, I’m taking it a step further and ensuring my daily to-do’s are aligned with my larger goals. 

So, Saturday I threw out some urgent tasks and replaced them with ones that are aligned with how I want to live my life - building my business and spending time with family.

Amazingly, after spending all that time on Saturday indulging my passions, I woke up Sunday morning filled with energy to knock off a few of the more mundane tasks that had been on my original list.

I did some quick mental calculations and divided them into several categories:

Delegate -  Groceries, Gas - my husband took over running these errands as he had a few errands of his own to run anyway.  

Divide  - My husband and I both pitched in to pick up clutter, sort through mail and do laundry.  Some  tasks become much less tedious when shared.

Delay -  Since I’ll be traveling for the next three weeks, it’s not urgent that my dry cleaning get taken right away.  

Drop - Some things just aren’t worth doing after all - I was going to organize some files and scan some photos into the computer; But the reason that seemed so important at the time, now escapes me.  

Do - had some office work that only I could do. Did it.

So, my suggestion for this week is to look at your goals and plans for the week.

First, make sure you are putting your health first - eat, sleep, exercise.

Second, ensure your main tasks align with the way you want to live your life. Ask yourself if I got the whole list done, would I still just be treading water, or would I actually be moving in the direction of my dreams?

Third, for the remainder of the tasks - what I think of as maintenance - or the minimum level to run your life and business - see first if you can Delegate them, Divide them, Delay them, or Drop them. And then, and only then, after considering all your other options - then Just Do Them.

Later this week, I’ll continue this discussion with suggestions for finding creative ways to delegate tasks or otherwise get help.

How is your to do list looking? Is it aligned with your goals? Are you focusing on the things that only you can do? 

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