Time Management:  The bad news is “No you can’t DO it all,

So, what’s your challenge?  Achieving a balance between work and family life? Finding time for yourself?  Saying no to others? We are busy, but all too often the ways we spend our time leave us deeply unsatisfied.  What’s wasted time for you?  Is it tasks, responsibilities or maybe not being fully present?  How often are you physically present but your mind is elsewhere worrying about the past or future?

As a mother I experience the challenge of balancing parenting, work and honouring my own personal path in life.   However, as a life coach I understand the value of being able to invest as close to 100% of myself as possible in each area.  Focus, choice and energy are three key tools to meeting this challenge.  We really can’t do it all so we need to focus on what is important, make some choices and then maximise our energy to make it work.  There’s a lot at stake here.  The truth is we can’t store, save or borrow time, yet often we let it slip away like gold dust between our fingers:

“An inch of gold will not buy an inch of time.”  - Chinese proverb

What are the benefits of managing time effectively?

ü      Living your life vision

ü      Personal empowerment

ü      Quality relationships (including with yourself!)

ü      Fulfilment and happiness

ü      Living in the NOW!

Developing a Vision For Your Life

Time management is really about life management.  So, where are you now?  Climbing up the mountain on a clear day or driving around in the fog? The quality of our life journey is more important than the destination!  Time management becomes simpler when we understand WHO we are and WHERE we want to get to.  It’s worth investing time to identify your own emotional needs, personal values and goals.   This provides a solid foundation on which to prioritise your time.  You will know what to keep and what to let go.

“The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed – it is a process of elimination.”

- Elbert Hubbard

What’s the key to managing time effectively?

• Developing an empowered mindset
• Achieving life balance and integration
• Having a plan
• Staying on track

Developing an empowered mindset:  This is about living consciously, being in the moment and staying focused.  This mindset leads to increased self-understanding.

Creating a balanced and integrated life:  Personal well-being depends upon creating an authenticity, balance and connection between the different facets of our lives. 

Making a Plan: This helps us set goals, make the right choices, recognise opportunities and stay connected to the bigger picture. 

Staying on Track:  Accountability and support help with staying motivated, so try sharing goals with a work buddy, ask a friend to check in on you or hire a life coach. 

To get you started exploring your own time management issues, here are some questions I might ask a client.  Trying answering them to gain more insight:

• How much time do you waste (be honest!)?
• What are your key priorities?
• How much do your beliefs about time serve you?
• To what extent do you and others value your time?
• What are the challenges and benefits of taking control of your time?

A life coach can work with you on this process by providing accountability, support and great listening skills. If you want to know more or discover some tools and resources to move ahead visit www.sheenaking.com, email coaching@sheenaking.com, or phone 07732 637239. 

“He that rises late must trot all day.“ – Benjamin Franklin

Sheena King

Life Coach

Life Coaching Services:

Ø     Life & business coaching

Ø     Email coaching

Ø     Group coaching

Ø     Retreats

Ø     A monthly newsletter with hints and tips

© Sheena King 2011