Disappearing Time

Some of the worst words a teacher can here are...summer vacation is over. It hurts to say it. It hurts to think it. Don't get me wrong. I like what I do. I appreciate the fact that I am lucky to have a job, especially with what seems like billions of teachers losing theirs. Still, summer vacation is my favorite time of year. I love the peace of knowing I can go at my own pace, I am stress-free, and have much more time for personal enjoyment.

All good things must come to an end. This is my last week of summer vacation, and the hurried pace has already begun. The part time job I've had this summer has all of a sudden provided full time work. And I need to make some preparations before going back to school on Monday.

However, all is not lost. I have sworn to myself that I will be a much better time manager when school starts. Yes, I've said this before, and it seems like I became worse. This time is different. A while ago I shared a great tip from an author about time management. He suggested breaking the day into 15 minute chunks of time. 15 minutes is enough to accomplish something, and short enough to get back on track if we stray. When we consciously focus on those 15 minute bits of time and plan accordingly, it is amazing how much more we can get done. After a while it becomes habit.

What's to gain? First, we are least likely to procrastinate. The result is then peace of mind. Remember how positive you feel when the to-do list is taken care of? This instead of the stress you feel when it's not, and you have those uncompleted tasks clogging your mind. Also, when the necessary things are done, you will find that you have more time to enjoy yourself and do those fun things you've been putting off. You can't lose!

As I said, all good things must come to an end. However, the time management lessons I learn over the next few weeks could be the start of great things. I challenge anyone else to take this same step. Break your day into 15 minute sections. Try to accomplish something in each of them. I definitely believe it will help you as it helps me when I stay disciplined with this approach.

Have an excellent day!

Time Management Tip

Time is such a precious commodity. It is something we often feel we never have enough of, especially during the Christmas season. So how do we find more of it? Or can we?

Earlier this year I read a great time management tip, one that has helped me more than any other. I've written about it before, but as I am feeling a bit of a time crunch these days, and many others are too, I feel the need to share again.

This time management tip comes from author Jim Britt in his book, "Do This Get Rich". It is very simple, and if followed, can have dramatic effects on your productivity. I've seen it in my own life. He suggests breaking the day down into 15 minute chunks. He says thaHe He points out that, in an average day, we have 60 of these blocks. By focusing on each of these 15 minute blocks, it helps us become more aware of the time and using it effectively. He says 15 minutes works best because it is enough time to get something done, and it is short enough that, if adjustments need to be made, they can be made without a good part of the day being wasted.

It's amazing how well this can help organize your day and increase the amount you accomplish. When I organize my day this way, I find that I am more focused and more aware of what I need to get done and what I can get done. Also, I don't feel so overwhelmed and disorganized. Almost magically, the to-do list decreases, and the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment increases.

I strongly suggest you try this method of the 15 minute breakdown. I believe you will find yourself accomplishing more, and will feel more peaceful during this sometimes hectic time. And please use one of your 15 minute chunks to share about your success : )

Have an excellent day!

Present Moments

Wow, time goes quickly, doesn't it? I realize its been four days since I wrote something here. I also realize the other items not checked off on my to do list as another week has quickly passed us by.

So what do I do now? Try to catch it all up in one day? According to my most recent readings, the best I can do is...the best I can do. Yes, I understand that doesn't make sense. We are only alloted a certain amount of time to accomplish what we need to. The key is to do all we can in the amount of time we have in the present moment.

The minutes and hours I have lost this week are gone forever. The best I can do today is to be and do my best RIGHT NOW! I do need to have ideas and plans for the future. However, I have full control over this present moment. It is what I do with this control that will be the greatest determining factor of how future moments turn out.

Although I can learn from my past, I can't bring it back. Although I can be ready for my future, I can't bring it here now. It is the present moment that I have at my fingertips. This is the time to make things happen.

I hate to cut this short, but my to do list is made, and I am focused! This information has helped me a great deal, and that's why I share it with you. I have learned that, if I put my primary focus on what I can do in the present time I have, I worry less and accomplish more. Also, things are done more effectively.

Please enjoy your present moments today : )