As a mother, wife, entrepreneur, author, and full-time nurse practitioner, people sometimes ask me how I manage to accomplish so much in any given day, week, or month. This surprises me, since I think of myself as a lifetime learner. I aspire to improve the way I manage my time. It is said, “Time is money.” Well, money is simply energy, and I intend to make the wisest use of my energy. Through trial and error, I am discovering profound new ways to structure my day to maximize my time and efficiently use my energy. It is a work in progress, and I take pleasure in the growth process! I find that I am best able to structure my day by using visualization to create a “mental map” of my day during the prior evening. You can create your own mental map of your day by asking yourself the following questions:
What comes first?
First things first. When I wake up, I set my intentions for the day, stretch, drink water, and send love to my family (hug, text message, positive thought or prayer, phone call, or note). What usually comes first in your day? Reading email or social media? Cursing the day while you press the snooze button? Eating a fast food breakfast? Now, think about your goals, dreams, beliefs, and values. Then answer this: What should come first?
What do I need to accomplish today?
List a big, medium, and small task that you intend to accomplish during your day. Of course, big, medium, and small are all relative terms particular to your unique life. For example, to a single 22-year-old, spending 30 minutes of “Me Time” may be a small accomplishment, or even somewhat of a disappointment. However, to a mother of 2 little ones, such “Me Time” might be the biggest accomplishment of the day!
How do I intend to feel throughout the day?
Feelings are the conscious sensations, whether physical or emotional, that we experience. In this specific case, we are talking about feelings that you consciously choose to evoke during your day. In other words, you choose the overall “vibe” you want to infuse throughout your day. Is it excitement, joy, amusement, passion, compassion, calm, tranquility, rejuvenation, playfulness, confidence, warmth, or inspiration? Based on your chosen feelings, you then pick the thoughts, places, experiences, actions, and people that support those positive vibes.
What do I want to learn today?
Every day that we wake up provides the opportunity to expand your mind and enhance your life by learning something new. Picking a topic of interest and then seeking opportunities to incorporate or share the newly learned information goes a long way to create momentum, excitement, and fulfillment in life.
What memory do I want to make today?
This question reminds us that time is precious. Your answer to this question can guide your day in ways that you may not have dreamed possible! Want to have cuddle-time with your little one? Spend a fun afternoon with a friend? See the sunset? Share laughs with your spouse? Today is the day to make it happen!
#startyourday #planyourday #schedule #timemanagement #hustle #priorities
