Have you ever felt stressed due to a deadline creeping up on you? Or gone panic shopping the night before an event to find yourself racing through the store like a mad woman? That may or may not have been me. Pay no attention to the lady knocking over the displays and mannequins.
How is it that we know something is coming, such as a deadline, an assignment, or even a holiday, and we still find ourselves barely making it on time?
The term “time management” has been around so long that people may tune it out. Let’s shake it up a bit and call it time optimization.
You’ve heard “Time flies” or “Where did the time go?” Every person has the same amount of time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days every year. That is unchanging. How we each utilize our time differs greatly. If someone says, “I don’t have time for that,” or “I’m just so busy”, it means there are different priorities.
The challenge is knowing if our priorities align with what is most important.
Learning the life skill of optimizing time is important for parents AND children. The goal is to reduce your stress – or your child’s – by taking ownership of optimizing time. There are moments when you can’t control outside forces and life just happens, but it is not a state to be living in.
Tips for Time Optimization
- The key is being intentional with time. Energy in motion leads to success. Consider documenting where your time is spent each day for one week. If your child is struggling in school, map out what a week of their time looks like. You may be surprised!
- Then try creating a schedule that aligns with priorities. Working through this process with your child consistently will allow them to build their confidence that they can control portions of their day. No matter what, try to honor times and tasks to stay on track.
Developing the life skill of time optimization will significantly reduce your stress – or your child’s – and increase productivity. There is no endgame. It’s a habit. It’s a process. Give it a try as we approach the holidays. We know they are coming. Take TIME to enjoy them with your family.
