HOW TO DO WHAT YOU NEED AND STILL HAVE TIME FOR FUN

In my two previous posts (linked at the bottom) I spoke about how I want to refocus my time so that I can do other things. So yesterday I was more purposeful. Even so, I spent more time than I wanted doing some things, leaving less time for others. So this morning I decided to do things different! And here I will tell you how to do what you need and still have time for fun!  

A couple of years ago I found a technique to manage my time more effectively and it worked well. I haven't used it for a while but I decided it would be useful for the changes I am trying to make and if you like making lists this might work for you too.
This is how it works: 

• Set a timer for 2 minutes. Go!
• Write down everything that you want/need to do.

Now a word of advice here: I'm not talking bucket list, dream holidays (unless you plan to book or pack!) but things that you NEED or you want to do that day. Things like paying bills, meeting a deadline, making appointments or plans, household chores.... the list might not all look fun (though I hope yours is!) but sometimes things need to be done whether we want to or not! And a note of caution. If you are like me you will try and delay or avoid some of these but they don't go away (unless you pay someone else to do the ironing, sort out your accounts, or manage other parts of your life for you that is)!  Of course there may be some ways you can save time, like online shopping and paying bills, but even if you do have someone do your ironing, you may still have to drop your pile off. Write it all down! And remember, you only have 2 minutes! Don't think to much. It's not meant to be neat. Just write! Then:

• Set the timer for another 2 minutes. Go!
• Prioritise things on your list. Number them. 

What is most important/urgent?  These go first! Optional things go last. Is anything a distraction from things that need doing?  Can you cross this off or put it at the bottom?  Then:

• Set the timer for another 2 minutes. Go!
• Allocate time for each of these. It will form a plan for your day. I work in 15 minute blocks but obviously some tasks will need an hour or even more.  Then make any changes as needed.

For example, let's say you have a tooth ache and put off making an appointment because you have a fear of the dentist. But you know you need to go!  How could you get the help you need to arrange this?  Ask a friend to go with you? Seek a dentist who is understanding?
If you need to do something in order to make the appointment add this to your list. 
Of course this is just an example. And remember, what we sometimes  find difficult might be easy for someone else. They might be able to give the support we need or help find a solution. So ask for help or advice if you need to, from a friend, family member or someone else who might know. Even a professional if necessary. 
Be realistic with time. Giving yourself one hour to check emails and social media might be ample/not enough. But do not over estimate. For me, having allocated time for each task helps me to remain focused. I know if I can work through the necessities there will be time for other things I want to do. 
If you are pressed for time, can something be crossed off your list or rescheduled til tomorrow/next week? 
Or if you have time to spare can you include something that you would like to do? Something that you enjoy - or perhaps more of something else?  Then once you have allocated time and got a plan:

START!

• Set your timer for the allocated time. Do not get distracted. Just focus on the task you set yourself.
• When the time is up move on to the next thing on the list. If this is not possible (let's face it, unexpected difficulties might crop up!)set the timer again but remain focused. If possible, take off something at the bottom of the list and carry it over to next time, depending on how urgent it is. And if you finish before the allocated time have a cup of tea OR move on to the next thing on the list.

Once more synchronicity showed itself yesterday, when I received an email from The Business Bakery. I directed me to a post about 'why it is fabulous to realise that you will never have enough time to do everything'! Go here to read for yourself! Don't you just love when someone acknowledges what you already know?!  And look at No. 9 on the list of ways Julia Bickerstaff said she planned to make change:

'I’m going to stop wasting time scrolling through

Facebook and instead I’m going to do things that matter'.

Yay!!  Someone else who has wasted time on Facebook! Julia writes from a business perspective but making a list of ways you what to make change will work for all of us.  Whether you want more time to spend with family or friends, or blogging, gardening, organising your life, de-cluttering, or doing the things you love, making lists can be helpful and provide focus. So, I hope my technique for prioritizing and allocating time is helpful. It works for me because knowing I have a set amount of time keeps me motivated and focused. But I am not a slave to the plan. If I need to make small adjustments or cross something off the list I don't get stressed or upset. I accept I can only do what I can and providing I have remained focused I feel a sense of achievement. I always include something on my list to look forward to. 

And I might start another list following Julia's idea: 20 ways how I am going to change the way I work.  I've made a start. And it's feeling good! 

At the start I mentioned my previous two posts. Here's the links if you missed these and want to find out more:

BLOGGING - WHAT'S THE POINT
WHY I AM SETTING MYSELF A 30 DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE

I've talked about how to do what you need and still have time for fun, and now it is time to press 'publish' because next on my list is getting messy with paper and glue. I have a sample book to make for a workshop, so thanks for popping by and I will be back tomorrow with another post as part of my 30 days Blogging Challenge.

WHY I'M SETTING MYSELF A 30 DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE!

In my last post I spoke about distractions and how Facebook can take me away from things I want to do. Don't get me wrong!  It also provides a network of groups, friends, and opportunities that I would not want to be without! Spending time on Facebook can be like having my closest friends in the same room, but it's all about balance.  Sometimes I get frustrated with myself because I aimlessly witter time away that I could be spending with friends (real or online), creating, or doing other things that I enjoy. It's like the times I have got on the wrong train or driven past my exit on a motorway and need to retrace my journey to be somewhere I want to be.  A little more thought or planning can prevent these diversions, and so it is for me....

And another diversion is when I have things to do that are difficult or I would rather delay or avoid. I came home from my holiday knowing I had things like insurances, tax, and other mundane but essential things to organise. I'm also trying to develop my creative ideas: to organise more workshops, exhibitions and to get myself out there more. It all takes time and sometimes these things overwhelm and drain me. But I overcome these hurdles, I did what I needed to do, and have turned a corner.  Yay!! 

So what did I do?

1.  I put on my big girl knickers and kept going!

Even when I didn't want to. 
BUT I was gentle with myself.  I told myself that obstacles are not meant to deflate or stop us - and that once I have done these things I will feel a sense of achievement and relief.
And I do!  Insurances and tax are sorted. I have moved on!

2. I reached out to others.

I recognised that I am not the only one struggling with these things and that advice, support, and experience of others can be helpful  what is needed. A warm understanding smile helps too!

I made appointments to get help with starting a small business as I want to take more steps.

I joined a local woman's business group and attended my first meeting.

This led to an invitation to a one day local seminar - my ticket is booked!

This also led to me discovering the 30 day Blogging Challenge. I couldn't believe how well this fits with my plan to refocus and reconnect!!
Do you believe in synchronicity?  I do!!
In my last post I said I would think about how to do this. I didn't need to, because the idea presented itself, so I have signed up! It will keep me accountable and on track. Let me pause here... I do not plan to get overwhelmed or whip myself into action! No! If I miss a day or something interferes, that's okay. I do not strive for perfection or accolade, I simply want to have focus and enjoy this experience. And coming back to my previous post again and things learned and said, I plan to spend more time visiting blogs and I will be leaving a comment because it is good to give as well as receive. 

Which brings me back to 'Why I'm Setting Myself a 30 Day Blog Challenge'.  Bare with me.... 
I had an email this morning from my blog-friend Sian Fair, (I am linking this particular post as it is relevant to what I am talking about, but do check out her other posts too!!) Anyway, Sian warned me not to go to Pinterest and another friend said that she looses hours there!  Both these  were in response to me saying how much time I waste on Facebook. And I had a light bulb moment because I love Pinterest but I am drawn to Facebook because it provides interaction with others.  I comment and may get a response. It is a two way thing. Pinterest and other social media platforms are less engaging in this respect. And the richest and most engaging connections for me often happen through blogging. Like Facebook, the interaction with others is important. So that's why I am setting myself this challenge. To readdress the balance. 30 days should get be back into a routine that I can continue and I am looking forward to reconnecting with blog friends and making some new. And here is more synchronicity!  Yesterday Julie Cameron wrote about about finding balance between social media and creativity.  The 'inflow' and 'outflow' as she calls it. Everything seems to be pointing to the same direction. 

3. And there is more!  
I also contacted a local artist-friend because I decided to try and increase my connections.  So this week I went to my first Knit and Natter. It is held in a lovely tea room and I found myself in good company and meeting others who not only knit but blog and love the same things I do.  Why didn't I make more effort to meet before?!!! 
But I guess everything has it's time and place and for me that time is now.

But that's not all.  This connection also led on to me being invited to join a local art group. I went to my first meeting last night and what a wonderful group of people I have met! Already there are talks of possible workshops, exhibitions and events that I can be part of. Exciting times ahead!! 

It's funny how the universe sometimes gives you what you need and everything pulls together. This time last week I was overwhelmed and frustrated. Sometimes we have to be proactive and trust that all will come right. 

Once again I have waffled, said too much more than usual and wonder how many of you have read to the end. If you are still with me thank
you!! And I'd also like to say a big thank you to those who left such long and thought provoking comments on my last post. I was blown away by the response and it gave me to confidence to write again with authenticity and intuition. But don't worry over the next 30 days I will be back to my usual sharing of photos, latest creations, and news. Some of these are already planned but I don't know what things are in store as part of this blogging challenge so watch this space!  I am on an exciting journey!  Which reminds me, my one-word for this year is TRAVEL. How apt!!

I mentioned how the universe sometimes gives you what you need. Well, as part of the 30 day Blogging Challenge I visited two posts written by others who are taking part. I didn't spend time looking - these were both recent posts that looked worth visiting.
Amazing then that they should connect so strongly with me! I thought I would share links and I will try to set up a Pinterest board  which is a learning curve for me. I know some of you are doing Julie's 300 comments in 30 days challenge and are also visiting new blogs so I hope these will be of interest. 

If you like photography or finding ways to take time out you may like this.

In this and my previous post I have written much about feeling overwhelmed and feeling distracted. Funny that the second blog I visited addressed these issues spot on!!  You can see them here and here.   

By the way, let me know if you sign up for the 30 day Blogging Challenge!!  Thanks for popping by, I'll be back tomorrow.