Is it possible to slow down time?
One of the most common things I hear myself and others say about time is:
“There are not enough hours in the day”
I don’t know about you, but, I can feel very frustrated when it seems that there really isn’t enough time to achieve all that I want to in one day.
Managing time can be even more challenging, prior to a relaxing holiday period, or maybe when organising a big event such as a wedding, a funeral, moving home or re-organizing your business etc.
Years ago, I used to work so intensely at times, that when I arrived at my holiday destination or as soon as the big event was complete, I felt exhausted – Does this happen to you?
Thankfully, I have discovered another way of BEING NOW and my life is not this way anymore. In this blog, I’m simply sharing a little of what I have discovered.
First, let’s look at some practical solutions for improving the way we organise our time.
Common advice statements that I hear people offering are: “you must prioritise” or “give something up. Here are some practical suggestions.
Time Management Tools and Strategies
- Categorise tasks into what is important, urgent, not important;
- Re-view how much time you spend on what you value, enjoy, versus what you feel you must do and reschedule according to your current needs and priorities;
- Create a “To Do” list;
- Create an appointment and task schedule: for the week, month or even for the year;
- Minimise interruptions, when you are working;
- Transform your self-talk into positive language instead of hearing statements that cause procrastination, hear can do statements.
Strategies to support you in your desire to become more efficient and more effective are useful and valid, of course, they work to a certain extent and yet.
There will still be times when you feel overwhelmed, I am, and you find yourself saying that “there is not enough time”.
During these times it’s wise to remember to look outside of yourself at the wonderful world that surrounds you. Listen to the birds, look up at the sky.
Recently, when I arrived early for a meeting in Westminster, I took some time to look at the magnificent architecture of our city and the clock that marks time for us all here in London. I was conscious of the fresh crisp air on my skin and took some deep breaths; breathing in for just a few minutes the magnificent scenery and the whole world seemed to slow time down a little!
When we awaken our inner senses, simply by connecting to the elements of nature, even for just a few minutes our perception shifts.
We can slow down time!
Somehow, this experiencing opens a “mindful gap” and it is as if magic enters at this moment, it alters our perception of time for the remainder of the day. You may find that everything flows more smoothly and you become so effective that you complete more tasks on this day than you have during the whole week.
The mind really does need a rest from analysing, comparing, evaluating and thinking about what we have done or must do, even for just a short time, this is when we are able to sense who we are authentically and we begin to feel more relaxed and more clarity comes and the decisions we make are more effective.
To notice overwhelm and to take action even for a few moments is key
- Breath?
- Go for a walk?
- Play with the children?
- Stroke the cat?
- Watch the sunset?
Whatever works for you!
Time is very slow for those who wait Very fast for those who are scared very long for those who lament Very short for those who celebrate But for those who love time is eternal – Shakespeare
When we connect to what is before us, in every action and interaction. This is the present, which is the gift that transforms our perception of time.
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Thanks for writing this blog. It’s a topic that’s dear to my heart.
The stresses of working in early years take their toll on professionals – that’s my experience. Morale and motivation drops with every new strategy or change to working practise. I’m really interested in time management and, in particular, the head can lead by example in helping staff to get the most from their time in work (and leave most of it at the door).
My recent blog on Parkinson’s Law (<a href="http://primary-ed.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/early-years-leaders-how-parkinsons-law.html" see it here ) discussed how any quiet, reflective time we may want at work is essentially doomed by the need to fulfill tasks all day long. Sound familiar?! I make the suggestion that there are two things are setting leader can do to help practitioners make the most of their time at work:
1. Once a week, without fail, take the class and allow the teacher to sit back and do nothing but observe. No observational focus, no quietly catching up with paperwork – just watch the class and view its dynamics without any bias. If done properly this re-motivates and re-connects teachers with their philosophy of teaching
2. When asking staff to complete a task give a realistic deadline and stick to it. Parkinson’s Law dictates that we will (most of us, anyway!) gives tasks a lower priority when they don’t have an imminent deadline, or have longer than required allocated for completion. Enforcing the deadlines is hard, maybe awkward, but will ultimately lead to time being saved throughout the year.
Just some ideas. Love your blog btw.
Andy
http://primary-ed.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for your comment Andy and for including a link to your blog, I look forward to reading 🙂