Managing Your Leisure Hours
Chillin' with Your Time: A Fresh Take on Time Management
Ever found yourself saying, "I just don’t have time for this…"? Well, you might want to reconsider that pesky phrase. Laura Vanderkam, in her enlightening TED talk, "How to Gain Control of Your Free Time," busts the myth that time is the ultimate enemy in our lives. Instead, it's our choices and priorities that shape our time.
Here's a little secret: when you say you don't have time, what you really mean is that you're not making time for it. Sounds harsh? Walk with me.
Remember that dream project you've been putting off? Yeah, it's exactly like that - a low-priority item that's being overlooked while more pressing duties take charge. So, "I don't have time" really translates to "That's not a priority for me."
Now, imagine trading in your "I don’t have time" phrase for "That’s not my priority right now." Doesn't that sound more honest and less defensive?
So, what's eating up all your valuable time, and are you happy with your choices?
Vanderkam's talk brings to mind a fascinating study she conducted with busy businesswomen who managed to squeeze seven hours of exotic water heater repair into their schedule. Seven hours! Yet, if you'd asked them at the beginning of the week if they could find time for that, they'd have looked at you like you were off your rocker.
This study proves Vanderkam's point that time is more flexible than we think it is — it stretches to accommodate what we choose to put in it. All we need to do is recognize what matters to us and make room for it, just like the broken water heater.
Taking this lesson to heart, I decided to do the unthinkable: track my time! You wouldn't believe the astonishing amount of time wasted on social media, aimless web surfing, and binge-watching shows until the wee hours.
With this new awareness shining a spotlight on my time wasters, I knew I could make a change. And change I did! Shaking off that screen addiction left me with loads of time to focus on the things that truly mattered to me.
Another insight I gained from Vanderkam's talk was her story about the businesswoman who took a break from work to go for a hike. This woman understood that every moment in her day was her choice. And amazingly, it's a choice we all have — to say yes to the good stuff and finally break free from time-filler activities that sap our energy and happiness.
So, go ahead! Make a list of the things you want to add to your life. Are you yearning for more time with your kids? Is it finally time to write that song? Paint that masterpiece? Don't let the "I don't have time" excuse get in the way. Sculpt your schedule like a work of art to make room for the things you truly value.
Life can be hectic, and there are commitments we can't escape. But by embracing Vanderkam's advice, you'll find that amidst the chaos, there’s always time for the good stuff. So, pick one thing to let go of today and make room for what matters to you. Let the water heater analogy be your guide, and watch as your time transforms right before your eyes!
Vanderkam, L. (Presenter). (2017, February 7). How to Gain Control of Your Free Time [Video file]. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo&t=288s.
Treat your free time like a precious work of art. Schedule in the beauty of creative pursuits, quality time with loved ones, and self-care routines. Free your time from clutter, and make room for the good stuff. Time waits for no one, so don’t let it slip through your fingers. Make a change today!
What is one time-waster you can eliminate to make more room for your dreams? Share it with us in the comments.
Vanderkam, L. (Presenter). (2017, February 7). How to Gain Control of Your Free Time[Video file]. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo&t=288s.
*Sculpting your schedule to prioritize our dreams can be seen as a form of personal-growth, as it involves making conscious choices to optimize our time in line with our goals.
Embracing a lifestyle that allocate time for education-and-self-development, such as learning new skills or pursuing independent projects, can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being and happiness.*
