Self-Realization: Is Time Working for You or Are You Enslaved by the Madness?

Modern life was meant to be about saving time through “convenience” devices. Surrounded by such cool technology, we expected to pass off the jobs we hate to “the machines” and spend the rest of our life watching the grass grow while sipping a cocktail poolside.

Instead, we are enslaved to technology and gadgets that have delivered the opposite of leisure. With every new device created to make our lives simpler, the pace speeds up. Sure, we’ve taken away ten hours a week spent hand washing our clothes, but we’ve replaced it with a device that makes it convenient for the masses to contact us at all hours of the day and night. Hopes of “time off” have disappeared into a huge abyss with the invention of cell phones.

Of course, we all have the same amount of time in the day. That’s the great thing about it! We are all on a level playing field and the social classes of a civilized nation offer no unfair advantages. But, people — well off or not, struggle to get even the simplest of tasks completed while others can work a weeks worth of jobs into a single day. Time can be our worst enemy if we neglect to nurture it or our closest ally when we understand how to manipulate it.

If you are struggling to find enough time to get everything in order, if you want a way to accomplish all of your dreams and release a few of those huge tasks that seem to be forever hanging over your head, then making time work for you is the key.

But, let’s be honest first. Your problem with time isn’t about time at all. It’s a problem with organization or rather a lack of it. We give away hours, days, months and years to our clutter so finding how to make our time more worthwhile would naturally start there.

To work out just where your time is going, let’s first take a look at where you are:

How Organized Are You?

Sometimes, the way we see ourselves and how we allocate our time isn’t completely accurate. For this reason, I suggest that you ask those close to you to help you evalute just how much time you spend on things.

Quite frankly, everyone has an area of their life that takes up more time than they realize (often because they secretly don’t want to impact those areas, such as surfing the net, watching television or shopping).

For the best results, go through the checklist for yourself first, then ask someone you trust and respect to fill it out for you too.

Read through the following statements and select the response that fits your answer best:

My work exceeds fifty hours per week.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I am riddled with guilt when I take time off to participate in leisurely activities.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I feel like there is never enough time to get everything done.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I feel like I don’t have any down time.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I don’t take lunch breaks…if anything I eat lunch at my desk.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I complete tasks or assignments right on deadline.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I avoid difficult tasks and put them off until I have no other choice, but to do them.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I find it difficult to finish what I start.
NEVER       SOMETIMES        ALWAYS

I am late for appointments and/or meetings.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

I blame other people when I don’t get everything done.
NEVER       SOMETIMES       ALWAYS

NOW SCORE YOUR RESPONSES

NEVER = 0 points, SOMETIMES = 1 points, ALWAYS = 2 points

If your score was over 13 points:
Maybe you’re a thrill seeker or just like living life on the edge, which is awesome — but living like that can be super stressful for an entrepreneur. Having a little structure and organization can be the key to reducing any unnecessary stress and help skyrocket your business results. You probably feel you have too much to do and not enough time to do it, so try developing a routine to help you stay organized. Even jotting down a quick to-do list to keep your thoughts straight or setting aside a cozy corner office to neatly house your files will begin the process of helping you feel on top of the world!

If your score was between 6 and 12:
You’re organized when you need to be, but every once in awhile you can be forgetful. This tendency probably shows itself in a pattern of peaks and valleys. Sometimes you feel great and at other times, things seem to be a little out of control. Relieve yourself from memory overload by keeping a notepad handy for scratching off items on your to-do list or scheduling important dates. You’ve almost got it…Keep up the balancing act!

If your score was five or under:
Kudos for being on top of your game when it comes to organization! You know how to juggle it all — and you do! As a result, you are managing your time pretty well. But, while being a perfectionist may come naturally to you, remember not to go overboard! Don’t be afraid to occasionally deviate from the paved road when necessary. Do the rest of us a favor and spread your wealth of knowledge in the comments section below. (wink)