The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Busy vs. Productive: Slow Down to Find Time

Posted on May 16, 2013 by , under Time and Energy, Time Transformation.

Busy or Productive ”Busy” and ”Productive” are two very different ways of being and of relating to time.  I am pretty sure you know what I mean!  How often do you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and like you are chasing time and never catching up?  That’s being (and feeling) busy!

On the other hand, there are also days when  (more…)

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Preparation Pays Off: 3 Tips to Save Time!

Posted on March 28, 2013 by , under Time Management Skills.

Preparation saves timePreparation is a time management skill that enhances your flexibility – especially when something unexpected comes up.  The more prepared you are ahead of time, the more you can focus effectively and efficiently in each moment.

And yet, preparation may not be an activity that you think you have time for – especially when you are busy and feeling  (more…)

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Projects Stalled? Get Unstuck With This Powerful Time Tip!

Posted on March 5, 2013 by , under Time Management Skills.

Projects-5-More RuleProjects and tasks need to keep moving if you’re going to accomplish your goals, realize your dreams and live your days as fully as possible.

But how often do you find yourself feeling drained and guilty because your energy has abandoned you  (more…)

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Perfectionism: Rooting Out Past Messages that Devour Today’s Time

Posted on December 11, 2012 by , under Time Choices.

Perfectionism-Finding the RootsPerfectionism is a problem that often parades itself as a positive.  Yet it’s a trait that eats up your time and keeps you from accomplishing your goals.

Looking to the Past to Prevent Perfectionism

In some recent blog posts, we have  (more…)

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Finding Time to Celebrate Accomplishments – The Time Finder’s 4th Year!

Posted on June 26, 2012 by , under Time After Time.

Finding time to celebrate accomplishments is a very positive and powerful way to enhance your relationship with yourself and give your energy a nice boost.  So, in that spirit, we celebrate the fact that The Time Finder turned 4 on June 24th!

Our very first post appeared on June 24, 2008, and here we are, 4 years (and 781 posts) later – still going strong!  It’s been a fascinating journey so far – and it can feel like the time has just flown by.

But can time really fly?  

Well, the answer may actually surprise you!  I heard a fascinating story about the relativity of time on NPR’s Here and Now yesterday and wanted to share this video that actually explains Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in a way that is accessible to the layperson.  It was created by Justin Dowd and is both entertaining and enlightening to watch.  It certainly surprised me!

Did you know that the passage of time is variable?  Does it change your feelings about time – or about yourself in time?

Isn’t it fascinating … how vast and mysterious our world truly is?

And then, coming back to earth and our everyday lives, remember that when you celebrate accomplishments you benefit yourself in  many ways!  First and foremost, you validate your efforts and build a positive, supportive, trusting relationship with yourself.  You know that you are always in your own corner … and you notice your hard work, no matter what.  This powerful constant in your life makes the sky the limit for you!

I look forward to many more years of finding time with you, and celebrate our connection as I celebrate this Time Finder milestone!

And would you like to learn more about how you can expand and deepen your time and efforts … in whatever areas you choose? Here’s a great way to explore avenues to increasing your time skills and heart-based power – whether it’s in your business, or your personal life.  I am so pleased to be able to offer my expertise and support as The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to “Time Management”.

You can visit by clicking the link, and when you do you’ll find lots of time management articles by experts in the field, along with a vibrant and welcoming on-line community. Stop by my Expert Page and leave a comment or question … or just say hello.  There are lots of ways to connect … let’s get started!

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Find Time to Expand Your Possibilities With the 5-Minute Solution!

Posted on April 24, 2012 by , under Time and Energy, Time Choices.

Finding time when time is short can be a challenge, but don’t give up.  You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish in small bits of time.

In fact, as we discussed last week, the 5-Minute Solution is a practical and effective way to step out of procrastination and give yourself a path toward productivity.  And the really good news?  It only takes 5-minutes!

In response to that post last week, a number of readers contacted me with uses for that 5-minute span, so I thought I’d share a few, and expand the list (and the possibilities) with a 5-minute brainstorming session – right here, right now!  So, here goes:

  • Chunk down my tasks into smaller pieces (this was from a reader);
  • Go for a brief walk – gets my ideas flowing again (also from a reader);
  • Straighten up my desk;
  • Send a friend an e-mail;
  • Post on my Facebook page;
  • Meditate (another idea shared by a reader);
  • Do some stretches;
  • Empty the dish drainer;
  • Clean out my in-box;
  • Pay a bill;
  • Journal;
  • Do some jumping jacks;
  • Doodle;
  • Take a quick shower;
  • Start a shopping list;
  • Surf the web;
  • Write a quick note to a friend or colleague (to be mailed);
  • Spend 5 minutes just starting somewhere on a writing project;
  • etc.

Does this list spark any ideas for you? Notice how there are really two categories of activities here – and both can be very helpful.

On the one hand, something like chunking your tasks or just starting to write is directly task oriented and aimed at getting you unstuck by getting you started.

On the other hand, something like meditating or doing jumping jacks will help get you started, too – but by stepping away and doing something very different.

What works best for you?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.  Just take 5-minutes and jot me a note!  ;>)

And are you interested in learning more about the Heart-Based Time Management™ Path?  Here’s one way that you can transform and deepen your relationship to time in the Heart-Based Way … I invite you to explore Secrets of Heart-Based Time Management™ – my chapter in the book I co-authored - Stepping Stones to Success!  In it I share my proven system for exploring and harnessing the power of your mind, your body and your spirit to help you deepen your experience of time and of your life.

As you work with the ideas I offer, you’ll explore your patterns, clarify your values, identify and prioritize your goals … and create your path for achieving them.  You can give yourself the gift of this wonderful resource today, and get started on your journey toward success, Stepping Stone by Stepping Stone …just click this link to get the details!

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Find Time to Know the State of YOUR Union: Are Your Head and Heart in Sync for Success?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by , under Time and Energy, Time and Values.

Finding time to stay connected with yourself – to have your head and heart in sync, is one of the most powerful time management choices that you can make for yourself.  So, whether you are a follower of politics or not, it’s important to ask yourself about the State of the Union periodically – I mean YOUR union.

This means setting aside some time to check in with yourself periodically.  For some this might be a daily, weekly, or monthly ritual.  The more time you spend doing this (and the more often you do it) the better – but it’s important to find what works for you and to build a pattern that you can trust.

You might ask yourself something as simple as, “How are you doing today?”  Answer honestly, and strive to open up to an internal dialogue.  Let a back-and-forth evolve.  This won’t happen all at once, but as you speak and listen to yourself, you may be surprised at what you discover.

It may feel like you are getting to know a new friend.  How wonderful!

As you learn more about the State of Your Union, you will be able to adjust the ways that you work and use your time, to better fit with your true values and needs.  Keep the dialogue going as you tweak things.

You can’t predict, at the outset, where this path may lead.  But here’s one thing I can absolutely guarantee:

When your goals are in sync with your values, your head and your heart work in tandem, freeing up energy and creativity that you may not have ever known that you had!

Why, it would be like the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Government working together.  Just imagine what could be accomplished …

So, I encourage you to check in with yourself frequently about the State of Your Union.  Listen to what your head and heart have to say to each other … and watch the possibilities blossom!

And as you bring your head and heart into sync, transforming yourself and your relationship with time, consider this:  Are you an entrepreneur, consultant, or small business owner who’s ready to take the next big step?  If you want to learn how to create and to keep a successful business running on your own, then this is for you! “How to Create Credibility as a Freelancer” is a booklet with 70 expert-proven tips that will help you recharge your energy and motivation, increase your visibility, and sharpen those vital organizational and time management skills.

Success is within your reach, so don’t wait, click this link and get started today!  http://bit.ly/FreelanceTips

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Find Time to Let Reflection Points Refresh You Throughout Your Holiday Journey

Posted on December 13, 2011 by , under Self-Care Time, Time and Energy.

Finding time to keep yourself present, energetic, and refreshed over the span of the holiday season can be a big challenge.  There’s so much to do, finding YOU time often gets lost in the shuffle.  That’s why I propose that you give yourself the gift of Reflection Points throughout your day, each and every day.

They needn’t be long, and they needn’t be ‘scheduled’.  Just be sure that you pause periodically and come back to yourself.  That’s because, as you journey through time it’s fundamentally important to take care of yourself along the way!   As Greg Anderson has written:

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.

That most certainly applies during this time of year.  It’s easy to push to accomplish “just one more thing” or buy “just one more gift” or write “just one more card” … only to find that you end up feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and depleted in the end.  I am guessing that is not how you want to be journeying through holiday time … or any time, for that matter.

Reflection points give you breathing space and re-energize you so that you can live your moments as fully as possible.  Think of your reflection points as pauses along a mountain path.  If you are tired and the climb feels long, a reflection point gives you an opportunity to take a breath.  If you round a corner and come upon a breathtaking view, a reflection point gives you a moment to fully appreciate its beauty.

Reflection points are about YOU – what you are experiencing and what you need.  They are moments that can powerfully and unerringly bring you back to the moment.  And it’s in each moment that you live your life.  Remember …

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. Omar Khayyam

Reflection points bring you back to your life, and isn’t that just where you want to be?

So, are you interested in learning more about the Heart-Based Path as you move ahead this month?  Here’s one way that you can transform and deepen your relationship to time in the Heart-Based Way …

I invite you to explore Secrets of Heart-Based Time Management - my chapter in the book I co-authored - Stepping Stones to Success!  In it I share my proven system for exploring and harnessing the power of your mind, your body and your spirit to help you deepen your experience of time and of your life.

As you work with the ideas I offer, you’ll explore your patterns, clarify your values, identify and prioritize your goals … and create your path for achieving them.  You can give yourself the gift of this wonderful resource today, and get started on your journey toward success, Stepping Stone by Stepping Stone …just click this link to get the details!

Let’s explore time together …

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Find Time to Thrive by Focusing on Your Minutes to Optimize Your Hours!

Posted on December 7, 2011 by , under Time and Energy, Time Choices.

Finding time to get everything accomplished in the time that we have is a constant challenge, isn’t it?  Especially at this busy time of year, it can feel like you’re just barely keeping your head above water … when what you really want to be doing is focusing and appreciating each moment.

So how can you move away from overwhelm and toward thriving?

The answer is actually pretty simple.  It was summed up very nicely by Lord Chesterfield many years ago, when he stated:

Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves.

When you are focusing on the present moment, laying aside worries about what lies ahead, you are going to be more efficient with your time and also have a fuller experience.

Not only that, but chunking your tasks and activities into small increments allows you to come to completion multiple times throughout your day.  This is validating and energizing.

As you use your minutes to achieve small goals, you’ll find that your larger goals are accomplished in your hours.  And you will be amazed at how this reduces your stress, worry and bother!

So are you ready to start focusing on the minutes and filling your hours to their fullest? 

Well, here’s another way to explore ways to increase your power and effectiveness – whether it’s in your business, or your personal life … I am so pleased to be able to offer my expertise and support as The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to “Time Management”.

You can visit by clicking the link, and when you do you’ll find lots of time management articles by experts in the field, along with a vibrant and welcoming on-line community. Stop by my Expert Page and leave a comment or question … or just say hello.  There are lots of ways to connect … I’d love to get started!

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Celebrate Your Successes and Give Yourself a Powerful Energy Boost!

Posted on August 22, 2011 by , under Time and Energy.

Finding time to celebrate your specialness and your successes is one way you can always give yourself a very powerful energy boost.  Genuinely patting yourself on the back and recognizing your accomplishment is a way of befriending and supporting yourself that never fails.

Here at The Time Finder, we were heartened to find our blog listed on BlogHer in a recent post titled Roundup – 25 Career and Business Women Bloggers Worth Reading.  Many thanks to Paula Gregorowicz (of The Paula G Company), who writes:

Who couldn’t use more time, right? Paula Eder is an expert at helping you invest your time in the right tasks and do them productively.

What a powerful energy boost it was, last night, to learn about this honor!  And the good news is that successes can be found in all sorts of places in your life.  They can come from external sources, such as our recent BlogHer recognition … or they can come from within, as we celebrate important steps taken and personal goals accomplished.

Finding and celebrating the positive can be especially important when you are, perhaps, moving through a difficult patch.  If you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, this is a time when you can really help yourself by stepping back, finding the goals that you have moved ahead on, and recognizing your progress.

This powerful energy boost can change your perspective and move you ahead, perhaps in unexpected ways.

Try it and see – I think you will be pleased with the results.  And let me know what you discover – I’d love to hear!

And speaking of successes, I am pleased to share that I am The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to “Time Management”.  When you visit you’ll find time management articles by experts in the field, along with a vibrant and welcoming on-line community. Stop by my Expert Page and leave a comment or question … or just say hello.  There are lots of ways to connect … let’s get started!

So, what if you could find another hour every day? You can! You can explore some practical and effective options for taking charge of your time by signing up for our free gift – “The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!”   Claim it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

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Find Time to Really Do Your To Do List -3 Powerful Time Tips

Posted on July 20, 2011 by , under Time Management Skills.

Finding time to complete the items on your to-do list is an ongoing challenge. Sometimes those lists become so challenging in and of themselves that we want to avoid them … and that’s not a good idea!

Have you run into problems with managing these lists for yourself? I have a friend who jots ideas and tasks on scraps of paper and sticky notes, putting them in her date book as the day goes on.  she captures a lot of material that way, but, as you can probably imagine, by the end of most days that date book looks like it’s filled with confetti! Sometimes the notes fall out, or get covered by other notes.

So, yes, it’s a challenge to keep up with it all.

That’s why I encourage any and everyone to take time — even just five minutes — at the beginning and end of the day, to plan, prioritize/consolidate, and review your list (or lists).

Each piece of this process is important, so let’s focus on each separately with these 3 Powerful Time Tips:

Finding time to plan is like scanning the landscape from up in the air. You need to get the lay of the land, note any barriers, and decide on your route. Really, what you’re determining is how you’re going to travel through your day.  This is the most important part of your process – without it you’ll be embarking on your journey without a compass– and I guarantee, you’re going to get lost!

When you’re navigating your day, it’s really important to know where you’re starting, where you want to end up, and the major intersections and turning points along the way.

Having a plan doesn’t mean that there won’t be a need to make changes as the day unfolds. It simply gives you a map. Ideally your map will include alternate routes for any unforeseen contingencies.  You don’t need to go into a lot of detail about those routes, but it’s important (and reassuring) to know that they’re there.

And don’t forget the “Times 2 Rule” when you plan! No matter what the task, it’s good to assume that it will take at least twice as long as you predict.  (And what a gift to yourself, if you end up with a little extra time at the end of the day!)

Finding time to prioritize and consolidate your tasks is another very helpful time management skill to develop. Again, you needn’t spend a lot of time on this. As you look at your plan for the day or your To Do List, highlight the three tasks that you absolutely want to accomplish on this day.

Also, if you’ve got any tasks that can easily be put together, be sure to connect them. This might include things like errands that involve stops close to one another, putting all of your computer-related tasks in the same time slot, etc.

And if you maintain your To Do List or Daily Plan on a computer you can rearrange your tasks as you consolidate and create your priorities.  Having a clean list makes things a little easier and less stressful for yourself.

Last but not least, finding time to review at the end of the day is very important! It gives you an opportunity to tweak your to do list for the next day, adjust your priorities, reflect on any lessons learned, and let go of it all as you had to bed.

Letting go is a wonderful gift that this process allows you to give yourself.  As your head hits the pillow, you can release any worries that you might be carrying, knowing that they are on your list and will be addressed in the morning.  Your sleep will be more restful, and you’ll have more energy as your day begins!

So, are you ready to start really DOING what’s on your To Do List?  Consider giving these 3 Powerful Time Tips a try … and I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

And here’s something more to consider.  You can now access our Time Finder posts in real time … right on your Kindle.   Try it out for 14 days FREE!  You’ll receive new content wirelessly, on your Kindle, every time we post!

So, what if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Claim it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

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Find Time to Increase Your Productivity with this Cyber Monday Time Tool!

Posted on July 18, 2011 by , under Time and Technology.

Finding time to be as productive as possible, with all the distractions and conflicting priorities that we encounter daily, can be a big challenge.  That’s why I was pleased to come upon a time tool that can be very helpful in meeting that challenge.

It’s called Action Enforcer.  While it’s not a free product (the cost is $27) my VA has been using it and has found it to be very helpful.  Action Enforcer is a time tool that uses the time management strategy of Time Boxing to help keep you on task and focused.  When you use Time Boxing to manage your time, instead of working on a task to completion, you set a time frame for a task and work on it ONLY for that amount of time.  Then you stop and move to another task.

Here is a helpful video describing how Action Enforcer works:

As my VA has noted, one of the best things about Action Enforcer is that you can make your action lists as specific as you want to.  That means that you can chunk your tasks down into bite-sized pieces, and experience success more frequently (as you “beat the clock” and accomplish your tasks).

People also note that, with this tool they learn a great deal about how they have used their time in the past – and how much their productivity is enhanced when they maintain focus!

Would you like to continue to address your time challenges so that you can find time to increase your focus, productivity … and heart-based success?

Then, I invite you to explore Secrets of Heart-Based Time Management – my chapter in the book I co-authored - Stepping Stones to Success!  In it I share my proven system for harnessing the power of your mind, your body and your spirit to help you explore your patterns, clarify your values, identify and prioritize your goals … and create your path for achieving them.

The in-depth interviews contained in this book provide practical and heart-based ideas to get you moving as you embrace yourself and your own uniqueness!  As one reader has said:

In fostering a climate of ever-expanding and deepening discovery, Paula’s system offers solutions that are founded in self-knowledge. They have a resonance and a wisdom that I find to be very unusual in the time management sphere.  Jordy Cornog, Canterbury, NH

You can give yourself the gift of this wonderful resource today, and get started on your journey toward success, Stepping Stone by Stepping Stone …just click this link to get the details!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Claim it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have no material connection with the brands, topics, or products that are mentioned here, and have not received any compensation for writing this content.

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