Carving out time to for You:

It never ceases to amaze me how counterintuitive it is to be so extremely busy with a long to-do list, responsibilities galore, going 100 mph in two different directions and having the realization that I’d be more effective if I took a “time out” for myself.

I first realized this in a small group accountability format.  I was one of four who met daily (M-F) on the phone early in the morning for a quick “check-in” with each other.  I shared with the group that I had sooooo much to do over my 1 ½ hour lunch break that I would probably be a good boy and skip my indoor rock climbing session to get my long list of to-do’s taken care of.

“NOOOO!” One of my counterparts in the group exclaimed.  She continued, “that is time you’ve set aside for yourself, in fact it’s the only time the whole week you have to yourself and you better honor it!”  I remembered that was one of my goals for the first quarter of the year, to take time to myself and do something fun, and schedule it like an appointment on my calendar, so I’d follow through with it.  She reminded me and as much as I just wanted to pass on time to myself for that day, I committed to following through with what I originally intended.

I went to work in the morning and was swamped.  Lunch time came around.  I looked at my to-do list and the only time I had to get it done and I totally turned my back on it.  It was so hard.

Now, I must admit, nothing was extremely urgent, in other words I wasn’t being irresponsible.

I left my office to go climb.

I had a climbing goal to climb a V6 bouldering route.  I did it that day.

I felt ecstatic inside.

I went home for a quick bite to eat, I showered and headed back to the office realizing I had about 20 minutes to get a couple things done.

They effortlessly were accomplished.

As the afternoon progressed, a couple other things fell into place without me having to do anything!

By the end of the day, I was able to have a few extra minutes before getting home to absolutely wipe my list clean that I looked at first thing that morning and felt totally overwhelmed with, thinking there would be NO way even with my full 1 ½ hour lunch break to accomplish everything.

It was ALL in my head.

When I took the time to honor myself, honor the time I set aside for myself, follow through with a commitment, achieve a goal and FEEL GOOD, things started happening with less effort, without as much internal stress and mental strain.

That scenario continues to repeat itself.  It never fails that when I’m overwhelmed, I actually will function better if I take the time to “reset” and get away from it all.  My mind becomes more clear, more sharp, and I’m able to accomplish things with more ease and less effort.

I tell you what, if you want change in your life – take time to yourself to do something fun.

Commit to it and put it on the calendar and let nothing, absolutely nothing stand in the way of it…within reason (be responsible, right?).

Give it a go and please let me know if it impacts you in a healthy way!

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