Time Clutter: a strategy for making time for the things that matter.

Photo by Cal Shook at Long Sands, York, ME

Do you have dreams that keep getting pushed back due to the distractions in your life?  You know, those things that have to get done like:  finding ways to pay the bills, shopping, housework, and/or a variety of crisis situations.  

Over the past two months, I’ve discovered two habits that are getting in my way.  The first is “physical clutter” and the second is ”time clutter”.

Physical Clutter

Last month I started sorting through the physical clutter which is documented in last month’s blog. 

This process will take time, but I’m reaping the benefits.  It’s easier to find things.  My study is more comfortable, open, and enjoyable to work in. 

Time Clutter

Time clutter has been the harder of the two for me to work on.   I thought I was a structured person when it comes to time management, but I’m not. A better term might be organized.   Organization had allowed me to get things done related to my job, but I haven’t been structured enough to set a schedule that would empower me to move forward more effectively in making my dreams a reality.

What follows is an abridged version of what I’m gaining from the book “Time Management from the Inside Out” by Julie Morgenstern. This, like physical clutter is a process.

What obstacles are holding you back from accomplishing your dreams?

Obstacle #1:  You have unclear goals and priorities.

“Your job is to re-connect with what makes you happy.” pg. 32

This one is hard to admit since I consider myself organized.  To overcome this obstacle I need to get clear about my dreams and what I want to accomplish.

My dream is to finish my Aunt Anna’s memoir.  My goal is to publish it by 2017.  It’s much closer than it appears.   A full version ready for extensive edits will need to be finished by September of 2016.   Novels can run between 60,000 and 100,000 words.  That’s 273 quality words a day, between now and then.  Before getting to this shorter version of the blog, I’d typed 2,940 words which I’ve shorten to 800 before posting.  This took some time plus running it by a couple proof readers before it was published.  

Another dream is to sell my photographs to help pay for the publishing.  I’ve looked at Shutterfly.com.  If you’re a photographer or know of one who is selling photos with a similar site, I’d appreciate hearing about your and/or their experience(s).

Photo by Cal Shook at Nervous Nellies, Deer Isle, ME

Obstacle #2:  You Have a Fear of Down Time.

                 

“…you may have time to begin dealing with matters you have been afraid to look at.” pg. 34

If I have down time and relax, I’ll see what I’ve been putting off.  This can be painful.

Obstacle #3:  You need to be a Caretaker

“Helping other people can make your life rich and rewarding…but if this gets out of balance, it can cause you to feel resentful, unappreciated, and overwhelmed.” pg. 35

If this is the case for you, Ms. Morgenstern encourages you to:

“Give yourself a break – and give the people around you a chance to grow.

I’m learning to “let go and let God”, as well as to “detach”.   I don’t always do this, but am working on it.

Obstacle #4:  Fear of Failure

“It can be very frightening to go after your dreams and find out you are incapable of achieving them.” pg. 36

“Sometimes just being honest with yourself about what’s the very worst thing that can happen will help you overcome your fear.” pg. 36

I’m choosing to feel the fear and do it anyway because this is hard to face at the moment.

Obstacle #5:  Fear of Losing Creativity

“Many of the most successful creative writers, artists, and musicians find great freedom in structure and discipline.” pg. 39

This is the obstacle that has kept me from creating a “Time Map” or what appears to be the dreaded schedule that I feared would squelch my creativity.  I’m convinced that this is the key to making my dreams come true.  This has been one of the hardest things I’ve done.   As I’ve worked through creating a Time Map and started to use it, I’m already experiencing a sense of ease and a surge in my creativity.

In the next blog, I’ll cover what it’s taken to create a “Time Map” and fill you in as to whether my initial impression of it is holding up as I continue to refine it and use it.

I’d welcome your thoughts and opinions either on Facebook, Google+, or in the Comment section below.  

If you’d like to get a copy of “Time Management from the Inside Out” it’s available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.