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Reevaluation of Time
By Tami Brothers
Time. 
We either have too much of it or too little. I tend to fall into the too little side of the equation. Like all of you, I have multiple things going on. Work, family, kids, writing, blogging, reading, photography, scrapbooking, running, classes, pets, cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring the kid, doctor appointments, sports, clubs, friends… I could go on and on.
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I could also complain every minute of every day. Dwell on the fact that I don’t have enough hours to do everything I want to do. I could. But that only results in wasting some of that precious time. Instead, I need to learn how to better manage what time I do have amongst everything I want to do.
Reevaluating
I started the 2011 year Reevaluating every part of my life. My family graciously (ROFL) came along for the ride. So far we’ve tackled:
1) The too big house (see post about the beginning of our reevaluation process)
2) The nonexistent budget
3) The clutter that has invaded our lives and home
4) Our diet habits and exercise routines (or lack of)
5) Our attempts to reconnect as a family
6) My Career and Job Choices
With July being the midpoint of my Year of Reevaluation, I looked back at everything I’ve done to this point and saw a pattern with my time management; or lack thereof. I realized that if I want to stay on this new path I’ve taken, then I needed to find a way to fit everything I want to do into the limited amount of time I actually have to do it.
Sounds like an easy task, doesn’t it? Not so much.
Things to cut
Over the years I’ve gotten into a rut of sorts, doing a lot of different tasks that take up quite a bit of time.
When money became tight, I found ways to continue my love of reading. One of those was by doing book reviews. You’d be surprised at how many different sites or opportunities there are to do reviews for free books. This can really get out of hand fast. I knew I had to cut out 75% of the reviews I do.
I also cut some of the volunteer time I put in for The Kid’s various activities. For this one, I feel a lot of guilt. I was the go-to person and people liked that because then they didn’t have to do as much. But, I started saying no and found I had a LOT more extra trime. Another good thing that came from this is that I found it works in other areas of my life, too..jpg "a-Retro-TV-300x300")
TV. I can’t begin to tell you how much time I’ve gained by cutting out most of my TV time. I still watch a few programs with my family. It’s cheap entertainment, so it’s hard to give it up completely when it does bring us together. Still, I honestly haven’t missed out as much as I thought I would.
Things I need to work on
Although there are a few other things I’ve cut, I have to admit there are so many more I need to work on.
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Blogs are a biggie. I’ve subscribed to more than 350 blogs via my tamibrothers Google Reader acct. That’s a lot of reading every day. Although there are reasons I want to read each one of these, life tends to get in the way. I’ve actually had to open another account so I could follow my friends and specific industry blogs without getting distracted by some that aren’t as important to me. I still need to find a way to manage my time here.
Twitter/Facebook/MySpace or what some might call Social Networking. I’ve found a few time savers, such as TweetDeck, but I’m still working on finding a balance with this.
Writing. I have ideas crammed inside my head, but I also have a habit of sitting down at the computer and opening my Google Reader acct, my e-mail accounts, or any number of other things that seem much easier to deal with than putting those words on paper.
Prioritizing. I tend to pick the easiest things to do first. This is definitely not a good plan because my writing often gets stuck at the very bottom of the list.
Sticking to a timeline. This is a biggie. I used to pride myself on being on time and even early for everything. Over the past few years I’ve taken on so many tasks that there simply is not enough time to do everything I need to do. AND as you can see, it happened to be at the very bottom of the list…<g>… Obviously, I’m still working on that prioritizing thing.
How about you?
I’ll be the first to admit I have a long way to go before I can get this time management thing under control. I’ve been told
this is a lifelong problem many people face, but I’m bound and determined that I will have more time by the end of this year. I know, very big task ahead of me….png "Smile"){kind=small}
How about you? Do you have anything in your life that sucks up your time? Have you found a way to manage it?
Leave a comment and be eligible to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. And stop back by Friday, August 12th to find out The Kid’s opinion of my new calming techniques. Ooommmm….
by Tami Brothers
23 comments
Gee Girl…..350 blogs?
I follow less than 6 on a regular basis and there are days I feel that’s too many. It robs time.
First thing, I did Petit Fours…we are my priority. Then Beyond her book & one or two others depending on how quickly I get through them….and only until the coffee has finished brewing. In other words, I set a time limit on my recess time (or coffee time since we’re talking about Big Girls and pulling up their Big Girl panties)
That may be the key for you…..make that a reward and do your writing FIRST–for a set period of time (you decide if it’s 1/2 hr, 1 hr, or XX Words) and then..and ONLY then, allow yourself to play.
That’s what I had to do and it’s paying off.
Tami,
Time is a huge issue in my life also. There was a couple of weeks in June I wondered if I had lost my mind! I had way over-committed and then had an unexpected something come up. I need to learn to manage my time better. Sounds like you’re off to a great start getting things in your life in order. Congrats!! I’ll be looking forward to reading how the kids feel about it.
Time,or lack of it,appears to be on everyone’s mind lately. I think all these tools that connect your networks so you make a comment on twitter & it appears on Fbk are great. There’s a learning curve to all the tech’y out there & learning how to work it smarter – I think that is how we’ll survive in this tech explosion. As for the homefront, well, there is no substitute for You. And know what? Your
‘no’ could be another person’s opportunity for ‘yes’ on the volunteer front.Sometimes you have to let something go to make room for another thing to have more priority in your life. Much to think about here Tami.
Like Sandy, the first thing I do every morning is go to the Petit Fours Blog and comment.
Saying No is a big step but I haven’t learned it yet. I’m just getting to that point. Also, I answer email as soon as I get it while I’m writing or doing other things. That may not be a good idea but I like to keep up and be timely. Sometimes I’ll email people and maybe a week later I’ll get an answer. Obviously they don’t sit at their computer 24/7. I can’t believe that, but then I think, well I guess they have a life away from the computer.
I do watch TV every night but usually that’s my way of vegging out and relaxing. I sit there with my latest book and half-watch TV and within minutes I’m asleep on the couch.
Reading takes a lot of time but I love it and feel it helps my writing so I won’t give that up.
Thanks for the great advice!
Whoa, Tami! I’m tired just reading your list. Well, life does get easier – you retire eventually. You only have a few decades to go, lol.
I’ve found I still must watch my time. It is so easy to read too long, crochet too much, walk and forget the time – oh wait, I haven’t done that yet. Walking is one time where I note the minutes!
I just think it is so very important to do some things you truly want to do. I could lose myself in doing for hubby and others, but I, now, make sure some time is spent on me. Selfish? Maybe, but it keeps me relatively sane.
Time is always and issue for me. Making lists is my major way of making my time work. Turning off the TV is going to be my new way to save time. I’ve not mastered it yet because I do like to have noise around. Maybe I should try the radio.
Great minds think alike, Tami! Obviously, since I blogged about this on Tuesday, I have been thinking about time – or the lack of it – myself lately. Not only reading but WRITING blogs takes a lot of time; Tuesday, for example, I was blogging in THREE places. Now, don’t get me wrong – I love writing those blog posts, but I have been trying to post every day in my personal blog, and that takes away from time I could be spending on my WIP. I follow a large number of blogs, too – I have no idea how many – and I sure don’t keep up with them the way I’d like to. Like others have suggested, I am going to have to impose a time limit on blog reading/social media in general in order to meet my most important goals. It’s a lot to figure out. Thanks for getting the ball rolling!
Hey Sandy! I’m definitely going to have to do something. I’m actually thinking about finding a new writing spot. When I sit down at the computer, I automatically click internet/email/blogs. I’m thinking a designated computer with NO INTERNET might be the thing. Will be working on that…
Tami
Hey Lindi!
I can so relate to that losing your mind thing… I hope things slow down a bit for ya.
But I do see a light at the end of the tunnel on my end, so maybe it will all turn out well.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tami
Hey Pam! I LOVE those linky tools. I did something that disconnected my Twitter and Facebook accout, so still have to get that back on track. I agree on the learning curve. It’s crazy how many loops you have to jump through in order to get everything to work right.
I like the outlook that my no could be someone else’s opportunity to say yes. I do know that several other parents have stepped up and the kids are getting a different perspective on things. I have to remind myself that is why I have my son in the other activities, so he can get a taste of the outside world. If I’m running all the activities, it’s just an extension of home…
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tami
Hey Marilyn! I honestly used to be the person who responded right away to e-mails. Now I have a stock of e-mails in my e-mail account at all times. I’m always thrilled to get it down under ten. Most days, I’m hovering around 20. That is one of the things I dislike so much about being so busy. I just can’t get to them all. I also don’t have time to connect with friends anymore. When I do, it’s usually a fly by kind of thing. How are you doing? How are the kids? That kind of thing. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel the need to par down.
I totally agree on the reading. Since giving up a lot of the reviewing, I’ve found I am enjoying the reading more. I don’t feel guilty for picking up a book that catches my eye from the grocery store shelf or one that is recommended on another blog or even Amazon. Before if they weren’t on my review list, I tended to avoid those isles or recommendations. But that’s how I find some of my favorite authors, so I don’t ever want to give it up.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I honestly can’t wait to grab your book this weekend!!!
Tami
Hey Maxine!!! I don’t think you are selfish at all. I like that idea of making time for me being important. I really, really need to do a better job of doing that.
I SOOOO can’t wait til retirement for that very reason. Hubby reminds me not to wish my life away, though, so I’ll try to be patient.
I can definitely relate to the “doing things too long” comment. If I did a better job at limiting things like Sandy said above and rewarding myself when I’ve accomplished those other goals, it might just work. I just need to implement all this great advice…grin…
Thanks for stopping by.
Tami
Hey Susan! LOL on the radio thing. I haven’t mastered the art of ignoring the TV or radio yet. In fact, I have this terrible habit of when I walk into a room, if the TV is on I have a hard time concentrating on the conversation or what is happening around me. Whether I like what is showing or not, I can’t pull myself away from it. Noise is the same way. I tend to focus on the noise in an attempt to figure out what is being said.
I think you will do a great job. You have a thousand and one things going on and you do a remarkable job of handling them all. I sooooo can’t wait for your books to be released. That is going to be awesome. It will also be something else to add to that big ol list. Although I’m sure it will be one of the good things on the list…grin…
Have a terrific day!
Tami
Hi Tami,
When the kids were little I was so organized. I had to be and I felt good about what I accomplished. Now that were in transition mode, time flies out the window. I plan — unexpected curve balls are thrown at me. I never feel like I’m caught up. Sorry I don’t have any advice right now. I’m ready for this chapter of life to calm down. Hope it does for you as well.
Hey Pam!!! Definitely great minds…grin..
I’ve been in your shoes, girl. You have a LOT going on, but you are also doing a great job of keeping it together. Just don’t let it wear you down. I actually did that and it wasn’t pretty…
I’m with you on the time limit thing. Really need to do that. AND SOON! Maybe we can do it together… )
Thanks so much for stopping by and THANK YOU for all your support!
Tami
Hey Sia!
I feel the same way about being more organized when The Kid was younger. I always made sure I had that sippy cup or bowl of Cheerios. Then it was the hand held computer games… Now days, if he forgets to bring a snack or his computer stuff, then it’s his loss… I do have a magazine and book in the car he is welcome to read…LOL…
I’m sure both our chapters will close (mine mostly dealing with this less is more phase we are in) soon and all will be right in the world…
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Tami
Tami, I so know the feeling. Even though I have the summer off, I’m still swamped. I’m slogging through with my time management. It’s so easy to get distracted. LOL. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Alicia! I think we tend to be busier when we don’t have those big things going on. Even though you are off this summer, I’m betting you are trying to catch up on EVERYTHING else…grin… That’s one of my biggest problems, filling up that free time when I finally get it with stuff I’ve put off for so long. I totally agree on getting distracted. I laugh about my “Oh Squirrel” moments, but they are a huge pain in the neck when you are trying to get stuff done.
Thanks so much for stopping by today!!!!
Tami
350 blogs???? Holy cow, Tami. Faced with that every day, I’d curl up into a ball.
It’s easy these days to get caught up in social netwking and reciprocal commenting, and promos to the point we neglect our writing. It’s busy-work and an advantage IF WE CAN WORK IT IN, but can also be counter-productive.
Our goal should always be to write, to produce another completed story. It doesn’t matter how many contacts we have or how much we’re ‘social’ if we don’t have the product out there for the reader. Recently, I’ve been on overload from promoting my books online. It requires a level of spontaneity I don’t feel right now and is a big time suck, so I’m regrouping and trying to concentrate on the writing.
In setting goals, have you asked yourself why it is you’re scheduling something in your day? Is it really going to get you where you want to be?
Terrific post, Tami. Saying no is a big key to time-saving, but often hard to do. I like what Pamela Mason said, too: “Your
‘no’ could be another person’s opportunity for ‘yes.’” That’s going up on my wall.”
I also go to PF&HT every morning. And when I get home at night. Then I look at other blogs and possibly some social networking. That’s the time I used to use for writing. I need to do something about that…
My time-saving strategies are: Say no. Cut stuff out. Work faster. MUCH easier said than done!
Wow, I’m with Sandy! 350 blogs are a LOT!! I could not keep up with that at all. I tend to read and post comments on the days that I also post.
My rule of thumb is to set the timer. I must write for my alloted 60 minutes FIRST, then I get a little reward of social networking time/blog reading time.
I’m also the queen of multi tasking: I am reading Margie Lawson’s lecture packets while I do my cardio workout at the gym. That is two birds with one stone.
Email is also squeezed into the breaks I take from writing. I also use my cell phone to check in tweetdeck, quickly scan emails, and return phone calls when I am not at home.
AND JUST SAY NO is my mantra. No guilt. I have the top five priority list and I stick to it. If it doesn’t directly benefit my writing, my family, or me, I don’t do it. No guilt.
Good luck!
I love Christine’s idea of having to write for an hour and then getting a dose of email/social networking as a reward–that’s better than the snack reward and a great way of keeping the internet time hog in his pen. That’s my big time sucker — the internet. As a kid I used to sit around and read the encyclopedia…now I have the whole internet which is full of curiosities.
Sorry everyone! It looks like something ate a bunch of comments and my replies.
: I’m sure they were all brilliant and most likely worthy of publications… 
Because it’s late, I just want to thank all those who now don’t have a reply. I appreciate you all coming out to support me and thanks a ton for all the great advice and information. You all rock!
Tami