The LinkLetter - Time is More than Money, It's Your Life

Imagine For A Moment
You Are At Work

Only this time, you have no email or phone calls to respond to, no interruptions by co-workers or clients (I know, this seems like a fantasy but stay with me for a moment). Your day is entirely cleared of obligations. Any task you "should" "need" or "ought" to do is filed away out of sight for now. You can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the design of your entire day is up to you. Feels pretty good, doesn't it?

Now imagine you have complete choice about what you do on this day. How would you spend your time? What projects would get your attention? What pace would you set for yourself? Take a moment to jot down the two or three items that you would choose to focus on for the day, asking yourself: "What really matters most?"

Use Your Beliefs
As Your Allies

Many of us have adopted the belief that we have to be instantly available to everybody. Faced with the inevitable stress this causes, men turn stoic and women become relentless pleasers. Our beliefs are strong. Rather than trying to change them, why not direct them to better serve our desire to respond to others, and our craving to gain control over our time?

For example, let's go back to your imaginary day where you call the shots. Remember the items you noted would receive your attention? Who ultimately benefits by focusing on even one of those items? By having that person (or people) benefit, who else benefits?

You see, by focusing on what matters most, you are doing more good than by allowing yourself to get caught in a storm of fire fighting. You are creating a chain of benefit that is larger than just one person.

How Do You Choose
What To Work On?

Here's an easy tip. In business, go with what puts you "closest to the money." In other words, what activities directly impact the bottom line of your business? Don't be tricked into thinking this only means choosing quick tasks. Being closest to the money can also mean choosing a project that has a positive long-term impact on your bottom line.

In your personal life, choose what puts you "closest to your heart." That means deepening your relationship with people you care about including yourself!

Remember that perfect, imaginary day? Here's my challenge to you -- why not make it your reality now, not later? This isn't just about gaining control of your time, it's about putting yourself in the driver's seat of your life!

The #1 Radical Thing You Can Do To Gain Control Of Your Time

Schedule time every week that excludes any interruptions, then guard that time with your life!

Here is how to make it work:

1. Tell your staff no interruptions unless the building is on fire.

2. Turn off your cell phone and your desk phone.

3. Think of it as "tithing" your time.

Sound impossible? It won't be if you start with a small chunk of time. Even one hour will give you the benefit of greater focus, less stress, and higher productivity.

Think of it as paying yourself first -- in time -- before paying anyone else. You'll not only benefit, you'll also set an example of self-mastery that can positively impact the lives of everyone around you. Think "pay it forward" by paying yourself first.

At A Glance...

How do you handle the 101 interruptions, questions, and needs of others that come your way in a day?

The solution requires boldness and personal leadership. Let someone else handle it or let it go. Period.

If you're seen as the answer person, switch gears and start asking powerful questions.

You'll feel like someone just lifted a ten-ton brick off your shoulders.

Just because you can handle the problem - or answer the question - doesn't mean you need to.

And the other person? They are likely to surprise both of you with their resourcefulness as they step up to the plate with their own solution. Questions are the key to empowering others, as well as freeing you from the tyranny of time.