The Time Finder with Paula Eder

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

Archive for 'Time Choices'

Time Choices: 3 Tips for Using Templates This Holiday Time

Posted on November 13, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Time TemplatesTime flies, doesn’t it?  How many of you are amazed at how quickly the time goes from Halloween to Thanksgiving to the December holidays?

But even though the time feels like it speeds by, your time choices can help you to enjoy one day at a time as you progress from holiday to holiday.  And the time to start  (more…)

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Productivity and You: Using Your Accountability Buddy

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

Productivity is about using your time and energy to its fullest. It’s not about being busy or overloading yourself with mountains of tasks.  It is definitely NOT about overwhelm!

No, productivity is about being  (more…)

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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…)

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2 Time-Tested Techniques Trounce Time Lies

Posted on September 19, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Trounce Time LiesOur killer time lies can loom pretty large in our own lives. But that’s only because they dovetail with our personal histories and blind spots.

In fact, you may have noticed that it’s much easier to name someone else’s  (more…)

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Find Time to Play Your Way Out of Paralyzing Procrastination

Posted on May 15, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Management Skills.

Do you find looming deadlines stressful to the point of stopping you in your tracks? It can be a nightmarish feeling when the clock is ticking, your panic is mounting, and you feel like you’re losing ground with each passing moment. Sound familiar? The harder you try, the more your mind goes blank. Ideas and inspiration dry up.

Finding time to play your way out of stress and paralyzing procrastination is an enjoyable and empowering way to break through logjams and get back into the flow of things. Read on to learn one unbeatable breakthrough tip that you probably haven’t thought of – and that I think you’ll enjoy!

Quite often things like brainstorming and mind mapping can open up options when you’re stuck in overwhelm. But high stress sometimes invites self-criticism and self-consciousness onto the scene when you least need them. Then you give yourself undermining messages like:

  • “Nobody’s going to like that!”
  • “This just has to be perfect!”
  • “You’re running out of time!”
  • “Everyone’s going to see how ____ you are!”

As the tension mounts, you try things that have worked before, like taking a quick walk to step away and clear your head. But when you sit back down and start working again, you find that those critical voices are still there and still have lots to say.

When faced with a situation like this, try this one tip – it is a real life-saver, believe me! You can try it at other times, too, because aside from breaking up logjams and relieving stress, it’s a wonderful tool for stimulating your creativity.

Oh, and it’s an entirely counter-intuitive tip – and that’s its beauty.

Ready for the game? It’s called “Turn Your Inner Critic on Its Head!”

The next time you are stuck, make it your goal to generate the very worst version of whatever you are working on that you are capable of creating.

If you are writing a sales page, or a blog post, or copy for a press release, your goal is to shock and disappoint. Throw yourself into your task with the mindset that you are going to stretch the limits of boring, blasphemous, and bizarre. Use everything that you might have censored, and exaggerate it to the hilt. In other words, have fun with it.

What this does, as you may have guessed, is not only silence but absolutely flummox your inner critic. Actually, you put yourself in control of this voice by choosing to use it as a contributor to your project (rather than being a negative nay-sayer calling from the sidelines).

Harnessing the voice of your inner critic to overcome stress and stasis, ask yourself:

  • What does your inner critic think is a really terrible headline for your next E-zine article?
  • What would guarantee that your report would create shrieks of outrage?
  • What opening paragraph is least likely to capture your readers’ interest?

Go ahead and begin writing from this vantage point. Better than trying to drown out or silence your critical voice, you have neutralized its negativity and stripped it of its power. It provides comic relief and nothing more.

As you relax, you will find that your ideas begin to flow – possibly in new and unanticipated directions – and you can move ahead on your project with empowered energy. And I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the new inspirations that come about as a result of this counter-intuitive time management tip!

Now, how can you expand your life and make even more of your time using time management tips?

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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Finding Time for Decisiveness and Productivity with Priority Power™

Posted on April 25, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Priorities.

Finding time and using it well becomes so much easier when you are clear about your priorities and give yourself permission to be decisive about following through on them.  That’s what I call Priority Power™!

What needs to change from day to day?  What’s indispensable?

You see, the power lies entirely in your hands.  You’re the one who decides.  And it’s a back-and-forth process, in that your decisions shape your priorities, and then your priorities can skillfully shape future decisions.

Building Priority Power™ can help you right from square one, as you create an ideal start to your day.  With your priorities in place, you know your path and everything that’s likely to be on it. Even setbacks and surprises feel more manageable, because you’re familiar with the factors you need to weigh.

Sounds rewarding, doesn’t it?

Prioritizing is a Heart-Based Time Management™ Tool. It links your heart, your mind, and your responsiveness to ongoing change. Here are some benefits you enjoy when you proactively and consistently prioritize:

  • You feel safe.  When you calmly weigh your options, your time choices are grounded and realistic.
  • You feel relaxed.  When your priorities are clear, you have made your peace with what comes first and what might need to wait.
  • Your time is uncluttered.  When you prioritize, you simplify. The more you exercise decisiveness, the stronger your “prioritizing muscles” become.
  • You feel confident.  Your skill at prioritizing helps you stay nimble as new situations arise.
  • You experience inner abundance.  You know, right down to your toes, that fulfillment arises from heart-based prioritizing. So you commit to use your time accordingly.

In upcoming posts, we’ll explore other aspects of Priority Power™ and how you can positively enjoy its role in your life! And, in the meantime, I’d love to know how you increase your decisiveness and productivity?  Are there particular practices or tools that you find helpful?

And 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!

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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 for the 5-Minute Solution and Nip Procrastination in the Bud!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by , under Time Choices.

Finding time to overcome procrastination is a challenge that you can actually address in just 5-minutes – with 100% success – all the time!  I know that sounds like an extremely bold claim, but in my experience, it really is true.

After all, the core challenge with procrastination is making a start.  That’s the biggest hurdle, and once you’ve moved past it, your procrastination probably recedes like the landscape in your rear-view mirror.

Why 5-Minutes?  Well, in a nutshell, 5-Minutes is a block of time that everyone can give themselves access to, pretty much any time. 

I think that the reason many or most people procrastinate lies in a feeling of overwhelm.  Maybe a task looks too large or you feel like it is beyond you for one reason or another.  You don’t know where to begin, and so you don’t.  The longer you wait, the larger and more overwhelming your task seems.  You are stuck!

So, that’s the beauty of the 5-Minute Solution for procrastination.  You can take 5-minutes pretty much whenever you choose and make a quick start on whatever has you stymied.  There is no need to wait for the “right time” – just decide and do.

And a 5-minute commitment isn’t overwhelming or scary.  You aren’t going to get too far into your task, yet 5-minutes gives you enough time to dip your toe in and begin to get a better sense of your project.  In those 5-minutes you can make a start and know what your next step will be.

Your project no longer looms as an overwhelming monolith.  You have found your way in, have a toehold and some traction, and can continue to move ahead.  As you start making progress you’ll feel energized and engaged … and what had seemed a hurdle will become an ever-expanding horizon.

Now, isn’t that 5-minutes well spent?

What do you typically do when you realize you are procrastinating?  Are there particular practices or tools that you find helpful?  How about 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!

And to move toward your Heart-Based Time Success, sign up for our free gift, the Finding Time Success Kit, which includes “The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!” Using a workbook format this powerful and practical time template helps you progress beyond disappointment and frustration. Discover that 24 hours really are enough!

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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!

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Find Time for the Amazing Adventure That Comes Your Way Every Single Day

Posted on March 27, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Transformation.

Finding time to welcome the adventure of each new day is one of the best ways I can think of to transform your relationship with time.

If you step back and think about it, it’s striking that we give ourselves the gift of celebrating newness so infrequently.  Once a year doesn’t seem nearly enough to me – does it to you?

I really love the idea that we can choose when and how to create and welcome new beginnings for ourselves.  And personally, I find it very energizing to frame each day as a new beginning.   As Eleanor Roosevelt said:

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.

Of course, being able to greet the newness of THIS day means letting go of what has passed.  Whatever you did or did not accomplish yesterday really and truly has no meaning today, unless you invite it to.  Bringing along that baggage from yesterday, whether you perceive it as positive or negative, really just means that you are carrying something extra (and unnecessary) as you set out on today’s journey.

You see – this is so key – how you perceive your time truly transforms it.

When I awaken to a new morning and see it as an adventure, I immediately feel more energy – and lots of excitement and interest about what is to come.  (And because I am seeing things this way, each moment can feel like an adventure as it unfolds.)

Of course, this isn’t a one-time decision, but a choice made repeatedly throughout the day.

So what do you think?  Do you choose to find time for the amazing adventure of this new day? It’s a choice that changes everything!

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.  Alan Cohen

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 This Spring to Let Go and Make Changes

Posted on March 21, 2012 by , under Time and Energy, Time Choices.

Finding time to make the changes that you value in your life is always going to involve letting go.  You let go of something old and replace it with something new.

In many ways, it’s just that simple.  However, letting go is a layered and sometimes quite challenging process.  As we discussed yesterday, even seeing what you might want to let go of requires willingness and a commitment to open yourself to clear vision.  We live our days embedded in our habitual ways of being.  To step aside from that and see it clearly takes courage … and time.  And it’s a very good investment of your time!

After you’ve got a realistic sense of where you are, think about what you’d like to change.  Is there an activity that you’d like to add to your day?  Let’s say that you feel the need to build in time for more exercise.  How can you go about doing that in a way that optimizes your ability to follow through?

Well. after you’ve recognized something  that you’d like to change, the next step is to break it down further.  How much time do you want to give to this activity?  Will you do it once a day?  More often?  Be as specific as possible, because this begins to give you some sense of what you are going to need to let go of.

Next, go back and re-look at what you saw when you surveyed your day.  Is there anything that you’d like to let go of that jumps right out at you?  That’s the easiest place to start – the activities that you are ready and willing to jettison.  If that doesn’t give you enough time for what you want to add, then you may need to trim time in other areas, or shuffle your schedule around.

What’s key here is that you first identify something positive that you want to add to your daily activities.  That gives you an affirmative reason for letting go of things that you may not feel are helpful – or just aren’t as high on your priority list.

It’s not easy to let go of something you are used to – whether it’s a net positive or a net negative in your life.  That’s why replacing it, proactively, with an activity that you value, will go a long way toward ensuring your success!

Are you interested in exploring letting go and making change some more … and 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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Finding Time to Stop Living Someone Else’s Life

Posted on February 29, 2012 by , under Time Choices, Time Priorities.

Finding time to follow your dreams may require waking up first. How many automatic time choices are embedded in your life from childhood? If you did the exercise in yesterday’s post, you may have been amazed at the messages you were carrying.

It’s very helpful and important to spot these early default settings. That’s because unexamined patterns can set you up to be living someone else’s life.

And the thing is, your life is unique – never before and never again to be.  What a loss, to not live out that uniqueness to its fullest!

Unconsciously repeating patterns you learned from someone else is like trying to wear someone else’s running shoes for a marathon.  It isn’t going to help you finish the race.  Just so with your time legacy.  However well your family’s time choices may have suited them, they probably don’t fully address your needs.

If there are places where you can feel your time choices hobbling you, those are what I like to call Time Traps.  Those ‘stuck places’ usually hold treasures of information, for those who choose to explore.

So, why not start rethinking a habitual Time Trap right now? These 3 simple steps provide a jumping off place:

  • Name one time choice that frustrates you.
  • Quickly describe how it conflicts with your conscious values.
  • Compare it with what family members did with their time in similar situations.

Following these steps gives you key information about how your Time Trap first took root. As you connect the dots between your troubled time choice and your upbringing, fresh ideas may pop up.  Your explorations energize and empower you – as you awaken into your own, unique life!

And here’s a lesson you can carry with you wherever you go:  Self-consciousness and self-criticism lose ground when you’re genuinely curious and motivated to learn.  This is a powerful reframing of perspective that can absolutely transform all of your choices, explorations and discoveries.   It’s a proactive, heart-based approach that puts you in the driver’s seat, no matter what challenge you are greeting!

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!

Let’s explore time together …

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