The Time Finder with Paula Eder

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

Resolutions or Plans: How Do You Frame Your Goals for 2013?

Posted on December 31, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills, Time Priorities.

resolutions or plansResolutions are on many people’s minds as 2012 winds down and a New Year gets underway.  But how do resolutions work for you?

For many – or maybe most – of us, resolutions boil down to what one person recently posted,  (more…)

No Comments

Productivity Tip: Accountability Buddies Really Work!

Posted on October 30, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

ProductivityProductivity, effectiveness and efficiency are the focus of many time management systems.  And often, when we think of productivity and time management we think of to-do lists, schedules, and maybe timers or other on-line time-tracking tools.

But finding time and increasing your productivity needn’t be  (more…)

No Comments

Finding Time by Viewing Deadlines Through Fresh Eyes

Posted on May 2, 2012 by , under Time and Energy, Time Priorities.

Finding time to actively welcome and appreciate each moment can liven up your day.  And something as simple as changing how you view deadlines can help.

So, if you feel haunted by the upcoming red circles on your calendar, how about trying a fresh way of working with them?  Approaching your deadlines differently and concluding your tasks in a timely manner definitely regenerates your Priority Power™.

Let’s start with the basics in your approach to your deadlines.  First and foremost, “deadlines” sound so … dead.  I prefer to think of them as “due dates”, instead.

What a positive re-framing of the concept.  Each completed task not only marks the end of something – it also “births” new possibilities!

Notice how planning for “due dates” can help you focus with anticipation, not dread. This powerful-yet-simple renaming encourages you to stay on task and also to think ahead to the next chapter of your work.

When your goal is something that you view as positive, then obstacles (including distractions that appeal to you) become impediments that keep you from something you desire.  Each time a temptation threatens your success, it becomes easier to steer clear.  And procrastination becomes less of an issue, too – because you have prioritized your projects, charted a destination and developed a clear and positive path to follow to success.

Are there time topics that you’d like to read more about here?  Please feel invited to drop me a line – I’d love to hear from you and serve your time finding needs!

So, want 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!

No Comments

Find Time to Bring Along What You Need for Each Day’s Journey

Posted on March 28, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Finding time to give yourself what you need is probably the most powerful productivity tool there is.  It is what makes everything possible; and yet, for many, this is the item that constantly falls to the bottom of the list.

So, maybe it will help if you think of your day as a journey. Picture yourself setting off for London or New York or whatever destination captures your fancy.

Would you hop on the plane empty-handed?  (I am guessing probably not!)

My guess is that you would have made a list of things that you knew you’d need.  You’d have assembled them, along with some items that you ‘might’ want.  In order to gather what you need, you’d have thought about what you’d be doing, where you’d be going, and also (based on your self knowledge) the things that would help keep you comfortable along the way.

Well, that same process offers a very helpful frame for scanning and planning your day!

You might try doing this in the evening or morning, either before bed or with your breakfast or first cup of coffee.  Think about what you’ll be doing and what you’ll need to be as productive and present as possible in each moment.

I suggest that, for starters, you write down one of the things that you know you’ll need, and plan to give it to yourself.  Then, at the end of the day, check in with yourself and see whether you actually did it.  This will begin to build your self-awareness, and as you follow-through, it also builds your self-trust.

If you think about it, each day truly is a journey!  The familiarity of our routines can sometimes mask or mute the adventure.  You may not be heading off to Paris or Montreal or San Francisco this morning, but you most definitely are heading off on the unique and precious adventure that is your new day.  So, bring what you need and take care of yourself along the way!

And in the meantime, want 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!

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

No Comments

Find Time to Plan Ahead for Holiday Joy: 3 Timely Tips!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Finding time to do everything you need to and still fully enjoy the magic of the Holiday Season can be a big challenge.  That’s why it’s good to start thinking about it early.  If you prepare for your holidays now, you’ll find more time to enjoy friends and family throughout this special season.

Here are some timely tips to keep in mind, as we leave November behind and move toward the December holidays.  Remember that starting to think about this soon helps put time on your side.

TIP #1:

Your most important first step is to chart out your time on a calendar that displays the full month at a glance. This overview helps you assimilate your timeline. Notice the specifics about when your holidays occur, along with all the intervening activities and events.  Include others’ events and activities that affect your holiday planning schedule.  Are there school events or vacation times to consider?  Be as all-inclusive as you can to give yourself the best possible picture of the days and weeks ahead.

TIP #2:

This rule of thumb is a constant for ANY planning you do around this time of year.  Remember the “times two rule” that states that everything you accomplish will take twice as long as you anticipate?  Well, during the busy time from late-October to early-January, I encourage you to think about changing this to the “times three rule.”   As the winter holidays approach, you can count on the fact that everything will take three times longer than you think it will, because there are so many things to do!

TIP #3:

Be sure to set aside time for the ‘unscheduled’ events and preparations. It’s always a good idea to build in some ‘buffer’ time into your daily schedule.  The more variables involved in a particular activity, the more chance there is that additional time will be needed.  Even using the “times three rule” you can rest assured that there will be glitches and detours.  The more cushion you can give yourself the better.  (And if the time turns out not to be needed, you might use it for some relaxation and self care!)

BONUS TIP:

Reflect on how you felt after the holiday season last year.  Do you want to consider doing less this year?  Simplifying your schedule can provide breathing room and may enhance your overall experience.  Remember that decisions you make now can be altered next year, depending on how they feel to you.  This flexibility can help you find the balance that makes your holiday time as enjoyable as possible for you and your loved ones.

By giving yourself an overview of the season, using the “times three rule” for planning, and factoring in time for the unexpected, you will find time to do the things that are important to you.  This helps assure that your busy holiday season is a happy and satisfying one!

Here’s one more idea for taking your next step toward time success. Sign up for our free gift, “The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!”

This time template will help you move beyond overwhelm, disappointment, and frustration. Using a workbook format, with room to record your answers, you will discover that 24 hours really are enough!

No Comments

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 …

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

1 Comment

Find Time to Explore Your Heart and Mind with Mindmapping

Posted on January 11, 2011 by , under Time and Technology, Time and Values, Time Management Skills.

Finding time to explore what you think and feel … to know yourself better … is the best way I can think of to form a solid base for anything that you want to do.  And the Mind Map, a tool with a long history that was most recently honed and popularized by Tony Buzan, can be extremely useful in this process.

Whether it be in time management, planning and following through on a project, or in academic pursuits, your efficiency and effectiveness are greatly enhanced when you can see the terrain as clearly and comprehensively as possible.  And, as many have discovered, a picture is worth a thousand words!

So, what is a mind map?  In general terms, it’s a method for creating a graphical representation of ideas or concepts.  Here’s how Wikipedia describes the process:

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying and organizing information, solving problems, making decisions, and writing.

The elements of a given mind map are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts, and are classified into groupings, branches, or areas, with the goal of representing semantic or other connections between portions of information. Mind maps may also aid recall of existing memories.

This 5-minute video offers an overview of the concept and practice of mindmapping.

One of the things that I find particularly helpful about this tool is that, by encouraging a brainstorming approach, it short-circuits any tendencies to insert a critical or censuring voice into this process.  Mindmapping works best when it is exploratory, organic, and inclusive.  The things that we might be inclined to censure might be key elements in a new insight or discovery … an opening to even deeper learning!

On his website Mindmaps Unleashed, and in his articles at EzineArticles.com, Arjen ter Hoeve offers insights, inspiration, and practical tips about mindmapping with a particular focus on time management, goal-setting, productivity, and … as a solid base for all of this … self-knowledge.

Personally, I find mindmapping to be a great tool for values clarification, jump-starting my creativity, thorough and practical planning, and for managing my time more effectively.  I prefer the free-flowing, pen-and-paper approach when mind-mapping; however, there are lots and lots of on-line tools available for this activity, as well … including Google Docs!

Have you used mindmapping yourself?  Is it something you would like to explore?  I’d love to hear your experiences with it.  What do YOU think? 

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! Grab 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.

2 Comments

Find Time When You Need It: Learn to Set Successful Time Boundaries

Posted on December 21, 2010 by , under Time Boundaries, Time Choices.

Finding Time when you need it often boils down to a matter of saying “No” to one thing in order to say “Yes” to another.

These choices don’t necessarily involve other people.  Maybe you are contemplating an internal time boundary – one where you need to let go of an old pastime so that you can create space in your life for a new interest or project.  Or maybe it’s an external boundary and you find that you are dreading saying that “No” to others whose cooperation you’d really like.

Either way, here’s a tip that I find very helpful:

Successful time boundaries = Specific time boundaries.

Being as specific as possible about the boundary helps because it provides a frame for the change that you are initiating.  Change can be a challenge – and it’s a lot easier to navigate new territory when the parameters are clearly defined.

For example, let’s say you are working on creating your Power Sanctuary.  This is a change for you and, perhaps, for the people in your circle.   Knowing exactly when your private time starts and when you’ll be available again helps define the size and shape of the change.

A clear time boundary relieves anxiety about the unknown for others … and maybe for you as well. In addition, knowing that you have set aside uninterrupted time will help you feel more relaxed and focused in the moment. So when you are planning to take time for yourself (or for anything that requires a time boundary), spell out the time frame you have in mind.

Setting clear-cut time boundaries sends a number of important messages.  And, again, these are messages that may be as important for you to hear and assimilate as for others in your life!

  • It shows you’ve given this step plenty of thought.
  • It indicates that you intend to follow through.
  • It demonstrates that you know when your time choices affect others.
  • Clear boundaries enable you to follow through in a way that’s easy to see. When you follow through consistently, you are showing respect, strengthening trust, and nurturing good will.

Finally, it pays to do some homework before setting a time boundary. If you’re embarking on a new enterprise, see how realistically you can estimate the time involved.

So, if you’re staring a project, figure out how much time you will need to plan, get supplies, solve problems, and complete the work to your satisfaction. When estimating the time, be generous with yourself, and remember the Times Two Rule! It’s so much more satisfying to finish ahead of schedule than it is to run late and risk inconveniencing others. – undermining that trust and good will you had been building!

Finally – what’s the greatest thing about setting specific (and successful) time boundaries?  Each time you practice this skill, you’ll feel encouraged to exercise still more positive power over your time. As you build your boundary-setting skills you’ll enjoy an upward spiral of success!

Do you find it challenging to set and maintain time boundaries? Why not give it a try this week?  Start with something small and very specific … and let me know how it goes.  I’d love to hear!

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! Grab 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 …

1 Comment

Finding Time: Is This Discipline or Rigidity? Some Tips on How to Tell

Posted on December 16, 2010 by , under Time Boundaries, Time Choices.

Finding time to get everything done requires that you do some planning.  If you don’t, you’ll be at sea in the midst of a floating array of seemingly random (and demanding) tasks, priorities, and dreams.

And planning requires both focus and flexibility.  I emphasize flexibility because so often, when we develop plans, our attitude is that we need to stick to them no matter what!

There’s a whole world of difference between disciplined follow-through and rigidity. Think about how you feel when met by someone else’s rigid response to a change.  Do sparks fly?  Do you seethe inside?  Do you feel responded to or rebuffed?

That’s what can happen when your PLAN becomes your priority … rather than whatever your priority actually was to begin with.  When you’re moving toward rigidity, you are becoming so committed to your PLAN that you let other parts of your life suffer. Relationships can be the first casualty.

So how do you learn to tell the difference between when you’re being focused-but-flexible and when you’re being rigid in your daily living?

Well, first off, have you thrown your judgment out the window? Follow-through builds trust and is very, very important.  However, follow-through “no matter what” means that you are not really taking responsibility for exercising judgment and making adult choices.  Circumstances sometimes DO interfere with our plans.  That is a reality of human life.

So, being realistic about your planning and factoring in some flex time can leave space for the unexpected and can actually PROTECT the flow of your day!

When you are feeling rigid, view it as a red flag.  It’s telling you that you are trying to focus but have lost your balance.  This can happen to anyone!  When you notice this happening, take a deep breath and step back.  Ask yourself …

  • “What are my central commitments?”
  • “How can I adjust to what is happening in this moment?”
  • “Is there anything I can let go of right now?”

Maybe you will shift things around; and maybe you won’t.  The important thing is to check in with yourself and own your choice.  The red flag helps you pause and readjust your perspective.

Focus and flexibility are skills you can build! As you do this skill-building, you’ll find that self-reference is one of your best allies. Keep checking in with yourself to find your balance.  You’ll feel more and more comfortable and agile, as you navigate your day by flexing here, and holding firm there.

Finally, always reflect on your results – not with a critical eye, but with friendly objectivity.  This allows you to build on your experience and deepen your trust in yourself and your judgment.

Do you find it easy to feel balanced when it comes to focus and flexibility?  Or do you fall back on rigidity to maintain your boundaries and get things done?  Ready to try something different?  I’d love to hear your experiences with this whole area … and what you think!

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! Grab 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 …

1 Comment

Finding Time for November’s Time Finder Favorites

Posted on December 1, 2010 by , under Time After Time.

Finding time to reflect, as we start a new month, can be so important and grounding.

I always like to pause at the “entryway” and ask myself a few questions.  The answers needn’t be long or detailed … just breathe in and out, relax, reflect, and see what comes to mind as you briefly explore these questions with yourself.

  • What do you know today that you didn’t know at the start of last month?
  • What did you especially enjoy and feel grateful about in November?
  • How are the coming weeks looking to you as you stand, poised, at the start of December?

And, of course, the start of a new month is always an opportunity to look back and see what readers of The Time Finder were most drawn to in the previous 4 weeks.

Topping the list last month was a post encouraging you to find time for YOU during the busy Holiday season.  Find Time to Give Yourself Something Truly Precious as the Holiday Season Begins encourages planning as a key component in self care and cautions:

Plan to Pause: If your plan doesn’t include time for YOU, you’re going to burn yourself out quickly, not be able to complete your tasks, and put yourself in the position where stress and overwhelm will make it difficult to enjoy the holidays.

Next on the list were two posts about getting yourself unstuck when you are mired in a Time Trap.  Take a look back at Find Time by Unlocking Your Symbolic Time Traps and Finding Time to Step Out of Your Time Traps? Compassion is Key! … and learn how to unlock your prodigious potential.

Find Time for Holiday Planning – It’s Never Too Early offered timely tips as the Holiday Season got underway last month.  Thanksgiving may have passed, but it’s not too late to take a look at these, and other timely holiday tips, as the winter holidays approach.

And finally, in our Cyber Monday series, you were drawn to our post titled Find Time to Extend Your On-Line Reach with Posterous.  Have you tried it?  Are you posting there?  Drop me a line and let me know – I’d love to connect.  (And just click here to see this post on Posterous!)

Finally, we were very pleased to learn (albeit belatedly) that The Time Finder was honored to be listed among the Top 50 Productivity Blogs to Watch in 2010 on Evan Carmichael’s wonderful and informative blog, The Entrepreneur Blog!  You’ll find us at #21 … very exciting!

Want to learn more about finding time to make more proactive time choices – not just during the holidays but throughout your year?

You can still sign up and access all of the excellent information that we covered in our Teleclass last week. Melissa McCreery and I discussed “Holiday Thriving: How to Take Charge of Stress, Overwhelm, and Overeating During the Holiday Season.” For some practical tips for staying on track with your healthy lifestyle while decreasing your stress, sign up and we’ll send you the FREE MP3!

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! Grab 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 …

1 Comment

Finding Time to Revise A Holiday Tradition? Just Ask Paula!

Posted on November 30, 2010 by , under Ask Paula.

Finding time to create templates so that you can efficiently follow through on your holiday tasks, routines, and traditions is an excellent, time-saving tool.

But how do you find time to keep your templates up-to-date?  And what do you do when you want to revise them … but you’re not the only person affected? That’s exactly the question we recently received from Janet Smith, writing from Providence, RI:

Dear Paula,

I have really appreciated your posts and e-zine articles about how to use templates to move through the holidays with greater ease.

For several years now, I’ve been thinking about suggesting a change in one of our family rituals. This may bring up feelings for others, and it also would mean changing the templates.

How do you suggest I go about doing this?

Sincerely, Janet

This is a great question, not only for the Holiday Season but for any time that you are considering a change in a routine or tradition … a change that will involve others and which they are likely to have feelings and opinions about.

Dear Janet,

It is positive that you are willing and open to changing your holiday traditions. As our lives evolve, it is important to consider this possibility.

You are correct in noting that others are likely to have feelings about this.  Any change in routine will generally bring up feelings – and that goes double (or maybe even triple) for the holidays.

So, one thing to consider is that it is helpful and important to not initiate a change right when the holidays are upon you and your family. Instead, I would suggest that you select a more neutral time – say, July – to propose any changes. This way, the emotions from the holiday season are less likely to interfere with making decisions.

When you propose your change, also solicit ideas from all who are involved. Make concrete suggestions about the changes you would like to see. Encourage feedback, discussion, and alternative proposals.  And it is important that you do all of this with a genuinely open mind.  The change that you have proposed may not, in the end, be the one that everyone agrees on.  Will you be okay with this?

Once the changes are agreed upon, you can go ahead and modify your holiday template to reflect the new traditions.

I suggest that you also make copies of this template to share with interested family members. It will help confirm the consensus and prepare everyone for the new rituals.

Finally, please let me know how it goes for you – I’d love to hear!  Hope this is helpful to you in your holiday planning, and throughout the year.

Warmest regards,

Paula

Want to learn more about finding time to make more proactive time choices – not just during the holidays but throughout your year?

You can still sign up and access all of the excellent information that we covered in our Teleclass on November 16th. Dr. Melissa McCreery and I discussed “Holiday Thriving: How to Take Charge of Stress, Overwhelm, and Overeating During the Holiday Season.” For some practical tips for staying on track with your healthy lifestyle while decreasing your stress, sign up and we’ll send you the FREE MP3!

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! Grab 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 …

1 Comment

Find Time for Holiday Planning – It’s Never Too Early

Posted on November 2, 2010 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Finding time to start planning for your holiday celebrations is a wise choice, as November is here and we are moving toward the winter season’s festivities.  Whatever cultural celebrations are on YOUR calendar, starting to prepare ahead of time will stand you in good stead as the days grow busier and more hectic.

What if you could clear away the stress of the holidays and approach them with joy and an open heart? One of the things that can really help on that front is to use templates for your holiday plans and preparations.

First, in thinking about this, step back and start with an overview.  Every individual in every family cherishes certain holiday traditions.  Maybe it’s a particular centerpiece or special plates and silverware.  Use what you have learned from past celebrations to create a template for what makes Thanksgiving special and unique for you and your family.

Start by creating a list of your family’s traditional celebration rituals for Thanksgiving. Your template helps you remember all the details.  Next, start breaking your list into tasks and plotting out their order … and some timeframes for each.  Rather than focusing on a static ‘snapshot’ of the holiday meal as the end point, consider the entire process.

When it comes to celebrating holidays, every family has its special traditions. Acknowledge these in your list of tasks. Refer to the templates you’ve created from previous celebrations.  Having the details written down saves you the stress of trying to hold them all in your head.

For example, my mother believed that no Thanksgiving was complete without fresh green beans.  However, it was also important and special that the green beans be sliced diagonally. Using your template, be sure that your task-list includes the little things that carry special meaning for each special person you’ll be sharing these special times with.

That way, you’re sure to remember and, equally important, you are no longer the only source or the keeper of the keys of your family tradition.

You can relax and enjoy yourself, knowing that everything will occur on time and in a way that honors everyone sharing your celebrations. Without this responsibility, your anxiety diminishes, and you will find the time to do the things that make the holidays joyous for you.

Are you finding time for holiday planning? Ready to give it a try? I’d love to hear about how it goes for you!

And here’s another thought.  Do you worry about getting thrown off track with your healthy choices, your work, and your selfcare during the holidays?  Many people stress about this as the holidays approach – you’re certainly not alone.

And that’s why I’m so pleased to invite you to the 9th (and the last, for now) installment of my EducationRich and HeartBased Interview Teleseries!  On Tuesday, November 16th from 7-8PM ET I’ll be interviewing “The Smart Woman’s Expert” Dr. Melissa McCreery about “Holiday Thriving: How to Take Charge of Stress, Overwhelm, and Overeating During the Holiday Season.” Ready for some practical tips for staying on track with your healthy lifestyle and your stress?  Then join us on the 16th.  Can’t wait to “see” you on the call!

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! Grab 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 …

3 Comments