Flexibility is a key component in your time finding tool box.
Self-awareness, coupled with flexibility allows you to pace yourself and boost your productivity in response to your needs, circumstances, and energy levels.
You see, energy and pace aren’t static; they have rhythms that are unique to you. And the more aware you are of your own unique rhythms, the more successfully you can tap into your power and optimize it.
If you think about it, it makes sense that we operate rhythmically.
The seasons have their rhythms, as do the daily movements of the sun. We sleep and we rise. Our heartbeats have a rhythm, as do our in-breaths and out-breaths.
Incorporating those rhythms, rather than fighting them, helps us each make the most of our moments – and for each of us it’s going to be different.
Tip:
You actually get more done when you understand that energy and your pace will vary throughout the day, as well as from one day to the next. Many factors affect your rate of progress.
Action Step:
See your project as a journey. Accept any plateau as a resting place. Use it to gather your energy for moving ahead.
I love the idea of envisioning any project – and life itself – as a journey. This helps us assimilate the fact that energy is required. Not only that but the more we give ourselves what we need, the further and more powerfully we are able to travel!
So here’s what I’d suggest you do, to get a handle on your own vital energies. Just spend a few moments reflecting on your day every evening for the next several weeks. Pay special attention to times when you felt most energized, and when you felt your energy dip. Ask yourself some questions like the following (and write down as much as you can remember, so you can begin to see patterns emerge):
- What time of day was it?
- Where was I?
- What was the weather like?
- What was I doing just before?
- What was I thinking about?
- What feelings were coming up for me?
You’ll probably have other questions to ask – things that come up that are particularly meaningful to you or that you know affect your energy levels. The main point of this exercise is to observe your rhythms so that as you plan your day and work on various tasks you can be flexible and incorporate your strengths and needs along the way.
I think you’ll be amazed at how this affects your productivity and your satisfaction over time!
And if you’d like to receive a Finding Time Tip like the one above, each and every week, right in your inbox, sign up for our Finding Time Success Kit and receive your tip … and lots more … all geared to help you find time for what matters most!
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These are great tips, thank you for sharing such a helpful post.
Thanks, Renee – so glad you liked the tips! 😉
A great way to look at productivity and getting the most out of our day. These are tips that I will use with my own clients. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by, Peggy. I am pleased that you find the tips helpful. Here’s to your time success! 🙂
I need to work on flexibility. It can be tough to be flexible and adhere to a schedule or list at times.
Thank you for stopping by, Matthew. I think the more you factor in your energy levels when you build your schedules and lists, the more you can build in the necessary flexibility. It’ll be a process!