On my green business blog, I recently posted about time. It’s a touchy subject for many people who have developed habits that may be comfortable but may not be producing the results they desire. That includes me!
What makes up a day? 24 hours, 60 minute segments to use or throw away, or chunks of 20 minutes that can produce massive progress! This is one of my new strategies. I’m chunking tasks into 20 minute segments. If I need to make phone calls, I have the list of who to call, the reason for the call, the desired result from the call, and the specific action I’m seeking from the person I call prepared, so in case I get a voice mail recording, I’m still accomplishing my mission. If I get a real person, all is good. I’m more focused, I’m to the point and I’m moving forward with my goals.
This isn’t easy. It takes some planning. It is also making a big change in my own patterns. It is stepping out of my comfort zone, where traditionally I’ve worried about making other people comfortable, or not seeming pushy or aggressive, but hey, if you don’t ask for what you really want, how will you get it?!? In The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, he shares how he makes time work for him. Part of my strategy is acknowledging that if I focus on what I want, I actually ask for what I want and get an answer. Then I’ll know and can move on. It’s OK when people say no. Then I can shift gears, reformat my strategy, find another way to get where I’m headed and move forward.
This year is all about stepping out of my comfort zone. This is how I’m approaching life these days. If I’m not uncomfortable, I haven’t stretched myself far enough. It’s scary most days. It’s rewarding every day. In my business, I believe in the Rework principles – there’s a better, faster, easier way. I’m focusing on what I really want, and how I want my life to be an adventure. Things could be simpler, but what fun would that be?!? I’m all about the Art of Non-Conformity and finding your voice in a noisy world! If you have some secrets about using time to create positive change, please share!
