We live in busy times when everything and everybody seems to be screaming for our attention. No matter where we turn, there’s something requiring our opinion, presence, action, all adding to our already overwhelming stress.
It seems to be harder than ever before to choose between necessary, important and extra. Yet, this is what we’ll discuss today. Are you ready to discover the biggest time wasters that are eating up your time?
I’m going to skip obvious stuff like TV, computer games, etc. because you already know about these (whether you listen to that advice or not).
1. Reactive living
Reactive living is going through life reacting to situations that happen as opposed to designing situations you want. It is sad and concerning how many people live their lives without purpose, direction or vision. The Bible states, “Without vision people perish,” and there’s a lot of wisdom in that simple sentence. Without vision you don’t know where you’re heading, therefore it’s hard to plan and achieve. If you end up doing what you enjoy in life, it’s a coincidence or “luck”. It just doesn’t happen to everybody, right?
Living life without purpose and direction leaves you empty handed in everyday life situations. This is why some people choose to watch cheap entertainment on TV instead of listening to training a DVD. This is why some will read romance instead of non-fiction. And this is why many will complain about politics instead of voicing their opinions where it matters or going to vote.
Living life without purpose leaves you empty handed in everyday life situations. Click To TweetThe problem with reactive living is that you can never accomplish anything …unless you trip over the opportunity and by some miracle choose the right option. Most likely even then you won’t be happy, because you won’t know that you’re living your dream. Reactive living will keep you busy, yet underachieving, always worried about what’s next, stressed about life situations, unprepared for life to happen. Reactive living will waste a big chunk of your time and it has made it to my list of top three time wasters.
2. Lack of decisiveness
You might have the most inspiring vision out there, you might be super excited to make it happen. And you might even be telling others about it. Yet, if you lack decisiveness, you will waste loads of time. Weighing the pros and cons, making decisions that you doubt right after creating them, never taking action is a vicious circle that will keep you in the unproductive zone for a long time. This is why so many out there just can’t get going. They freeze when it comes to decision making.
The best choice you can make is to take a step, fall, get up, take another step, fall, get up again and try again. Just like you did so many times before – learning to sit, stand, walk, talk, ride a bike, put on mascara, drive, cut a cake, blow a candle, tie your shoe laces and many other things – you learn as you keep on trying. So make a decision and give yourself a permission to fail. As long as you learn in the process, you will be fine!
3. Disorganization
Have you ever wasted a day (or two) just because you couldn’t find something? To be honest, I have. I’m usually pretty good with my own stuff, but my kids’ school papers mysteriously keep disappearing in our house. Trust me, going on a rescue mission the day before a project is due is not a fun activity. We frantically search for a paper, then go hunting for the materials necessary, then the whole family gets involved (while other important projects get pushed aside), we all get easily upset with each other, rarely finish the project and usually it all ends up with a note in kids’ agenda that we will need an extra day to get it all done.
Disorganization gives you a fake sense of accomplishment. You can lie to yourself about how good things are, but only until the next project is due. Then all of it happens again… stress, chaos, and in the end, you feel like you’ve under-performed.
Disorganization gives you a fake sense of accomplishment. Click To TweetNo matter how disorganized you are, there are systems and structures you can put in place to make things better. If you can’t figure them out, find someone else who can help you in this area. Trust me, your life will never be the same!
Question: In which of the above 3 areas would improvement be the most beneficial? What are you committed to do in the next 10 days to waste less time and become more productive? Let me know on social media.
