Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

This is part of a continuing series of Ten Reasons Not to Have What You Want.

This reason is very closely related to I Don’t Have the Time

Perhaps you do feel like you could carve out a little time but you are mentally and or physically exhausted by the time you take care of everything and everyone else.

You know that feeling where you just want to fall on the couch, turn on some mindless TV or do something relaxing.

This is a good example of a catch-22 situation.  You may find that giving yourself a little time to work on something you love and something you know could make a difference in your life will actually give you energy.

It may take a while to create the habit to build your strength but it is possible to create momentum and energy if it is something you really want.

Often the hardest part is to get started.

Once you start, you may get absorbed in what you are doing and not even notice that you were tired.

Create an Environment to Help You Get Started

For example, I notice if I gather supplies or get my workspace ready for my project the night before; I can get started right away and not be distracted.

Maybe you can create a “kit” with everything you need that is easy and portable to work.

Or let’s say that you get easily distracted when you work.  What can help you focus?  Do you need to have the table or desk or work space cleared except for the things you need for the next step?

Set a Timer

You may have something that needs to get done but you keep putting it off.

Set the timer for 15 minutes to work on it.  This strategy can help you focus on a task and it can also help you to make a deal that you’ll spend 15 minutes or a half hour working on it.

Give Your Brain a Break

Another thing that can hamper your progress is spending too much time figuring out where you left off.

Leave yourself a note about what the next step will be.

That way you don’t waste a lot of time wondering what to do next and can jump right in, especially when you only have a little time to work.

Match the Task to Your Energy Level

Everything can be broken down into very small steps.  And depending on what you are doing, some of those steps take more energy than others.  So, why not do some of the easiest things that don’t take as much thinking when your energy is lowest.

Give it Away

Maybe you don’t have the energy because the task at hand drains you.

It could be you don’t know how to do it or you just don’t want to.

See if you can delegate the parts that drain you and work on the parts that excite you.

Regardless of what strategies you use, the most important part is making a decision that you want to make a change.

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Filed under: creating a life you love, time management