This article got me thinking about time-stealers. At time of writing I have just one day to prepare for the book fair on Saturday, and lots left to do. (Yonks ago I volunteered some time to steward at the Knitting and Stitching show tomorrow, thinking - hah! - that all would be ready...) So it should be a priority to be in the studio ... ah, the many ways we sabotage ourselves!
According to the article, the four big time-stealers are:
- disappearing thoughts and ideas
- squishy priorities (...a-hem...)
- attention splatter
- no boundaries
To deal with them:
- keep a list
- give yourself deadlines
- focus on the task
- focus on your priorities
But do read the article, and the comments, one of which was the eternal question: what are your priorities if your kids are clamouring for your time? The response: "Kids will learn a lot from your behavior. If you’re putting their needs ahead of yours in everything you do, they will miss a strong maternal role model."
Other problems mentioned: getting sidetracked by social media; "finding creativity in the time allotted" [my answer: do some work and the creativity will come ... but then I'm grouchy about "creativity" and "inspiration"]. Some helpful hints - write down your priorities and put them where you can see them; try the Pomodoro technique, which essentially involves using a timer to help you focus.
One thing that, in my opinion, isn't a time stealer is taking breaks, especially if they involve moving around. Taking a few minutes to fit in a small housework task, or getting out for a quick walk to clear your brain. It was a misty morning and getting out into it was my first priority today -
Parkland Walk, London N4 |
You don't "find" time - you make it through spending it on your priorities. Top tool seems to be ... focus.
(Update: interesting to find this reflagged at timemanagementmagazine.com.)
(Update: interesting to find this reflagged at timemanagementmagazine.com.)
4 comments:
using a timer really works for me
Jaquinta
londonbookworks.blogspot.co.uk
food for (non-time stealing) thought x
Excellent reminders. I'm struggling right and realize it's partly with setting a start time. I've tried a variety of scenarios of placement of things that take up/make up my day, but don't have that firm start time for any of it. Need to grow a spine!
Just to wish you good luck with the book fair tomorrow.
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