“Timing is everything.” We’ve all heard this phrase about 1,000 times or more. That’s because it’s entirely true. Your timing can be the difference between a good interaction and a poor one. But, the problem is, most of us feel that we don’t have enough time in the day. We look at time as if it is our enemy instead of an opportunity.
The thing is, time can actually be on our side. It’s a matter of how we utilize our time. When time is poorly managed, it can make us feel on edge and out of control. Our anxieties build up because of all of the pressing items on our to-do list. It can also cause tension for the people in our lives, especially when we give them last minute updates or ask for help because of our lack of planning. We can avoid these anxieties by getting a better handle of our time.
I discuss time more thoroughly in my book “The Secrets of Communication.” You’ll find a whole chapter devoted to it, where I talk about Little Brain Traps and Big Brain Tools which can help make time a friend not an adversary.
To get you started, consider the way you’re handling your time. Are you overbooking your schedule? By doing this, you set yourself up for a lot of stress, and put yourself in more danger of Little Brain reactions.
Reconsider the way you’re handling your time. Give yourself permission to say no to some things. In our eagerness to please others, we often take on more than we should. Have a good idea of what each of your days look like, keep a calendar and a daily task list. Make your schedule reasonable. When you have a good idea of what your calendar looks like, you’ll have a better idea of when it’s time to say no.
Be careful with your time. Are there areas where you could improve, for example: do you need to reduce TV time or something else that may be interfering with more pressing items? It’s good to have time to relax, but a healthy balance is crucial. Don’t let distractions get in the way of more important things.
Be cognizant of how your planning or lack of planning affects others. When you plan ahead, it makes it easier to work with others. You’ll be less likely to give someone last minute news or a last minute project. This can ease tensions at home and in the office.
Look at time differently. You can use it as an opportunity to manage your schedule and reduce the possibility of Little Brain reactions.