I am fortunate because I can work part-time. But still I need that financial support. Working part-time, while it gives me more free time, has a dilemma attached. Just how do I manage my time well?
Recently, two different people gave me the same message. In the process of negotiating the wording and images for a revamped website, the web designer mentioned in passing that she had learned how to value her time. I felt this information vibrate inside me as a warning. It struck a chord. I knew in that moment that I was not valuing my time well enough. A few days later, while enjoying a massage, the masseuse said that she felt my body expressing depletion and feeling unappreciated. At the time, I was only aware that I felt tired and out of focus.
When I get several messages both giving me similar meanings, I pay attention. Here is wisdom for me. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do. I had commitments and responsibilities to fulfill. At first I couldn’t see how to change anything.
I got lucky. Soon after these events, I attended the annual meeting of an organization I belong to. At a workshop during the meeting participants were asked to answer this question, what gets in your way of doing what is most meaningful to you? It didn’t take long for me to figure out one of those things. It’s my daybook, which holds all my to-do lists and daily schedule. I realized that it runs me instead of me running it. I was captive to getting everything on my list completed in a thorough and timely manner. And I was prioritizing the tasks for others, for organizations I volunteer for, and for chores that I could simply cross off a list.
That led to another realization. I value being noticed and approved by others. Where did my own meaningful work and creative endeavors fit in? Only occasionally squeezed in between other appointments and meetings. No wonder I had been feeling tired and unfocused.
I then tackled that daybook. I decided to build in time to do work or activities that are meaningful and creative for me. For me, that time is in mornings. I made some phone calls and changed some meetings and appointments. I will gradually change other responsibilities as I can. And I have made a mental note to schedule as much as I can in afternoons from now on.
My take-away from this experience is two-fold. First, I recognized with the help of others that I was off in the weeds. This is an important first step in any change process. Be aware enough that you are off track even if you can’t see how to make any changes. Awareness is a first step and it can begin a process of change. What are signs that you recognize that you need to change something? Is it a message from your body, your emotions, and/or your thinking? And second, after I saw the problem, I could see a potential solution to try. And I acted on it. And I do feel clearer, and more energized.