Monday, 19 October 2015

I AM CHANGING HABITS - AND I AM NOT A NUN!

Some of my recent posts have been about how I want to refocus my time. Let's face it, there are only 24 hours in a day. We will not get this time back and as much as I try, it does not stretch! 

So I decided I need to change habits.  No, the not kind a nun would wear, but the kind that keep me stuck and do not serve me. I want to use these hours more effectively, because I have a list of things I want to do and that seems to grow rather than get smaller! I want to live life to the full and I can only do that by making change.

I am looking for light at the end of the tunnel...
 

So taking an idea inspired by Julie Bickerstaff I decided to write a list of things that will help me. 

And this is what I plan to do to!

1. Plan my day more.
Since giving up a full time career I choose how I want to spend my day. I feel very blessed. And while I love what I do, I want to do more! 

2. Use my time more effectively by asking 'is there a better way to do this'. Or even 'Do I really want or need to do this?'

3. Continue to be more purposeful when I use social media.
I can easily loose an hour or two or more scrolling through posts just for pleasure. Or avoidance.

4. Check emails and social media at set times.
Not look to see if there are updates throughout the day.

5. Organise and tidy so that I can find things more easily. And live a life that is more spontaneous.

I have put off buying this book since I already have piles of books on my shelves about this subject. They have added to my problem rather than help me organise or declutter!

7. Put ideas from the foresaid book into action.
I know!! I know!!  I re-read what I said about buying books that add to my problem! But I have also read lots of reviews and they are impressive. I also know two or three friends who have used this book and made huge change. So I am hopeful. I will let you know how I get on!

8. Give myself a time frame to complete tasks.
I will prioritise and try to think about what makes me procrastinate or try to avoid some of these.  

9. Set the timer for 2 minutes when I plan. I explained this idea here and I find it works for me. I work better under pressure!

10. Spend time thinking about my dreams and aspirations. What do I want for myself? Do I still want these?  Have they changed?

11. Make goals and action plans. 
Not so my life becomes formulated and dull, but so that these become real and exciting! 


12. Turn the computer off!

13. Spend more time creating.

14. Spend more time with others, creating, sharing ideas and doing things that we love.

15. Go to bed earlier.
16. Not check social media or play games when I should be sleeping. 

17. Blog. Read others. Leave comments. Reconnect.

18. Be more active and less busy.

19. Spend more time doing nothing. 
So that I can be more mindful. More creative.

20. Get rid of things I do not want.
Stop moving them from one space to another so that they still take up room and negative energy. Freecycle/take them to the charity shop. Be active and not busy. 

It is early days but I feel progress is in the making. I'm going to print this list and stick it on my wall. 

And what about you?
What changes would you make so that you get more from your day? I'd love to know. And if you have any tips to share I'd love to know these too!

Thanks for popping by, it's always good to have visitors!
As part of the 30 day Blogging Challenge I will be back tomorrow and I am looking forward to sharing photos of my recent trip and book making weekend. I hope to see you here!