Life Changing List

Would you like to know how to make time for what is important to you?  The answer is as simple as two little letters:  N-O.  But simple is not always easy.  Actually saying "No" can be difficult.  Knowing when to say "No" can be equally challenging.

Basic list-making can help you identify what commitments to decline in order to make room for what is most important to you.  Are you ready to discover what responsibilities are worthy of your time and what obligations merit a firm, "No"? 

Okay, make three lists: 

1. "What I do" 

2. "What I have chosen not to do"

3. "What I don't have time to do"

What I do
This is NOT a "to do" list.  This isn't a list of what you have to do, but a list of what you actually do.  In the course of a week--or a month--what activities do you do?  What items fill your days and your calendar?  Include activities such as personal care, committees (work, kids' school, church), errands, kids' sports practices and games, caretaking for family (prepare meals, laundry).  If you have done a thorough job, you'll be tired just looking at this list!  We tend to underestimate how much we actually do. 

What I have chosen not to do
Include items you have already decided to remove or outsource.  If you use a housekeeping service, then housecleaning goes on this list since someone else does that for you now.  I choose not to wear makeup regularly; a seemingly small feat that saves me 20 minutes every day.

What I don't have time to do
What have you been saying "No" to because you don't have time?  A committee you'd like to serve on; a graduate degree; volunteering at your child's school; going on a picnic with your family; taking a 30 minute bath with candles, a good book, and solitude.

Once your lists are complete, examine your "What I do" list.  Do you like how you're spending your time?  Are you pleased with the activities that have won your affections?  This list reflects your priorities as of today.  You are choosing to apportion time to these activities.

Now take a look at your "What I don't have time to do" list.  This list doesn't exist. Everything on this list belongs on the "What I have chosen not to do" list.  If you aren't making time for an activity, then you are choosing NOT to do that activity.   So now, you only have two lists.

Look closely at your two lists.  What items do you wish you could swap?  What's stopping you?  This is where you get to reconfigure your priorities.  What do you really want?  What are you willing to give up to get it? 

With lists in hand, you are armed and ready!  Take charge of your days and make time for what is important to you.