Honesty.

Do you ever underestimate how long something will take you?

Some people have great time keeping skills but others, no matter how much they try to be on time whether for a deadline, or meeting a friend, they just can’t seem to be on time.

I believe the solution is to be more honest with yourself. Set yourself more realistic goals. If you know your shower usually takes fifteen minutes, that putting on clothes and sorting out your face takes another fifteen minutes, then don’t give yourself thirty minutes. Give yourself forty minutes.

The same goes for longer deadlines. That report needs to be in a weeks time and you think you can do it in ten hours. Give yourself fifteen.

If you find that extra time, you’ll find your brain thanking you and not screaming at you with anxiety and angst.

Another tip: make a plan either before you go to bed, or the moment (or two) after you wake up. Be honest with your timings. Don’t squeeze in too much. If you’re too worried about keeping an eye on the time, then you’ll lose focus on what you’re doing.

I did that. I was working on three projects. I tried to work on two of them in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Did I follow the schedule? No. Did I refuse to continue following a plan thus sabotaging progress in my projects because I was annoyed I didn’t do it all? Yes.

So I examined my plan and here’s what I did: I put one activity for the whole day. It worked. I focused harder on that particular project, and got more done in a day than I ever did!

This also applies to decluttering. Some clients think clearing out a large space, say the kitchen, will take a few hours or so. It takes longer. It always takes longer than your estimate. And that’s absolutely fine, it’s better to have done a job well than rushed.

Tip: work from cupboard to cupboard only. Or from section to section. Focus on that one small area. Sort through it meticulously. Put things back neatly. Take your time. Drink three cups of tea while you do it. Pause for a biscuit.

Just remember, be honest.

#honesty #makingtime #planning