On Demand - Day 16
Day 16 | Making Time
Looking to reclaim more time for the things you truly love? Do you often find yourself canceling plans, caught in a cycle of over-scheduling and constant commitments? On the flip side, maybe you're a self-proclaimed 'time cop,' meticulously managing every minute of your day (and secretly wishing you could write people up for mis-managing their time). In the eye-opening book, 'The Big Leap' by Gay Hendricks, time is not seen as a constraint but as something we actively create. Drawing on Einstein's ideas, Hendricks introduces the concept of "Einstein Time," challenging the traditional belief in the scarcity of time.
The Toxin of Over-Commitment
Improving your relationship with time affects your overall sense of wellbeing. Over-committing can be a silent assailant, taking a toll on your mental and physical well-being. You know the the classic tale of someone so engrossed in busyness that their body rebels as a cautionary reminder to slow down. Well, your body doesn’t have to have a total rebellion to exhibit signs of too-much-ness. Fatigue is a classic byproduct of over-commitment, both mentally and physically. Imagine the space you could clear up up by breaking free from this cycle and not being so tapped out.
Not only can this cycle have an effect on your body, it can also be toxic for your relationships. Being chronically late, flakey or over-committed to ‘people please’ has a negative impact on other people. How we treat other people affects us as well. The exchange is off and our body knows. But, we can bring things back to harmony.
The silver lining is that once you realize there is an imbalance, you can create real change – and it starts with your awareness and actions.
JOURNAL
Make a list of your values and what makes you feel most alive. Prioritize your time around your values. Consider if any of your values need a ‘Balancing Value.’ For example, you may find yourself consumed with work because creativity is a core value. What might a ‘balancing value be to keep your creative drive from wearing you out?
10 ACTIONS
Shift Your Mindset: Embrace a mindset shift regarding time. Instead of viewing time as a limited resource, recognize it as something you create. Understand that you have the power to influence your perception of time. Example: when I am in traffic stressed at the red light on Sunset and Highland – (that effing light)) – I always say, just see where you are in five minutes. I take a few breaths and almost all of the time in five minutes, I am back in flow and moving to my place on time.
Be Present: Practice being present in the current moment. Einstein Time suggests that time is a subjective experience, and being fully engaged in the present allows you to make the most of each moment.
Eliminate Time Scarcity Beliefs: Instead of saying/thinking ‘I don’t have time for…’ Say/think ‘I am not makeing time for.... right now (or ever).’ Challenge and let go of these limiting beliefs. Time is not something you have or don’t have. It’s something we make.
Prioritize What Matters: Prioritize tasks based on their significance rather than their urgency. If you have dependents, obviously that will always be a fundamental consideration, always. Focus on activities that align with your goals, values, and bring you joy. This approach helps in creating a sense of purpose in your use of time.
Take Responsibility: Accept responsibility for your experience of time. Recognize that you are the creator of your schedule and that you have the power to shape your relationship with time.
Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination often stems from a distorted perception of time. By addressing procrastination tendencies, you can better align your actions with your intentions and create a more fulfilling relationship with time.
Practice Time Expansion: Experiment with expanding time in your mind. Instead of feeling rushed, practice slowing down and extending the present moment. This can create a sense of spaciousness and ease in your daily activities.
Set Realistic Expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself. Acknowledge that you have limits and avoid overcommitting. By setting boundaries, you create room for a healthier relationship with time.
Enjoy the Process: Cultivate a mindset of enjoying the process rather than being fixated on the end result. This can reduce the pressure associated with time constraints and enhance your overall experience.
Cultivate Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for the time you have. Appreciate the moments and opportunities presented to you. Gratitude can shift your perspective and contribute to a more positive relationship with time.
READ
For more on this concept of Einstein Time as being something that begins with us, read ‘The Big Leap’ by Gay Hendricks.
RECIPE
Want a healthy snack bar? Try these – they are delicious and super easy to make.
no-bake bars
6 ingredients
filled with fiber
healthy Omega-3’s
no refined sugar
Pro Tip: always use parchment paper for easy clean up, (unless baking at extremely high heat).
On Demand - Day 16
I love you, Keep going!
Alex
Next Up - so important, we have special guest, Mindset Coach and Feng Shui Expert, Ariele Joe Towne joining our chat tomorrow!
9:00 AM Yoga
9:45 AM Chat