So. I've been feeling a little scattered lately.
And in general, I feel like I'm not using my time optimally.
I have some idea of where I'm wasting it (excessive email-checking, anyone???), but in order to get a better grasp of what's going on, I'm going to keep a time-diary this week.
I don't think the time-diary will be a totally accurate representation of how I've been spending my time because whenever you have to write something down, some self-correction occurs.
For instance, if you're keeping a spending diary, you might be inclined to skip buying that candy bar at the gas station.
But I think this self-correction is actually really valuable, because it means that you're thinking harder about what you're spending your money on.
And I'd like to think a little harder about what I'm spending my time on, especially when it comes to my internet usage.
Want to join me?
Just write down how you spend your time this week...I plan to keep a small pad of paper with me, but you could do it on a mobile device, like a laptop or something if you prefer. I just like pencil and paper. 🙂
Don't fret if the upcoming week is an atypical week, because at least for me, it seems like every week has something atypical happening.
(I suppose that means that atypical events are typical, which would then mean that they're not atypical at all....)
Anyway!
If you want to get a better handle on where your precious hours are going each week, join Elizabeth and me this week. At the end of the week, we'll each be posting about what our time diaries showed us, and how we think we can cut back on some of the time-wasting that happens in our lives.
I am sure it will be an eye opening challenge. Your right about the self correction part, I am sure knowing you have to write it down will cause you to just not do it in the first place (for me that would mean spending precious minutes checking facebook several times a day). Summer time for me probably isn't the best time to audit my minutes, as we tend to just relax more, but I will definitely be reading how it goes you guys and perhaps think about doing something like this in the fall when we are back into our regular routine.
I think I'm going to join you. I've been feeling pretty scattered for a while now as well. Hey, maybe it will be an eye opener, yeah?
I feel similarly but it is important for me to avoid words like "optimally" (stick with me, I'm a philosopher; I overthink everything). I don't use my time as well as I'd like because I spend too much time worrying about optimal use: what is the very best most really importantly excellent thing I should be doing right now? And then I waste time because I am not really sure what that really super best thing I should be doing is.
I'm trying to be more aware of how I spend my time, too. Not sure if I'll keep a time diary. I will make an effort to ask myself throughout the day "Does this [whatever I am doing] affirm who I want to be?" "Does this strengthen, nourish, or restore the self I am developing?"
I did something similar when my children were younger. They were no longer babies and toddlers, yet not all of them were independent teens. It was a period when I had some time of my own, but not in large blocks, and I wasn't sure I was being at all productive. I just kept a notebook on the kitchen counter and logged what I did, though not in great detail. Through this process I discovered that yes, I was being very productive, but I also saw patterns emerge. From this I was able to think of my day in terms of a schedule, with time for both productivity and relaxation. It helped me find better balance, knowing I was accomplishing goals, but without undue pressure on myself. Good luck with your time-use journal.
I believe it is something in the air. A few of my friends and I have all been feeling the same way. Last week I made 3 trips to grocery store and still did not come home with the item I went for in the first place. I'm having trouble with my menu planning and such!
Ha! I'm so glad I'm not the only one! 😀
Guess I will give this a try. I know my main time suck is email, but never seem to read them all. Will see how it goes.
Great idea: newly retired, there is always tomorrow. Before, things got done today!
Rachel @ Intentionally Simple is doing this and I decided to join-in. I guess it's something with the summer and lack of routine setting in! Not sure but YES excessive email checking, surfing the web and just being a bit of a lazy bones not kicking it in gear - and being nearly 36 weeks pregnant I've got to get moving with food prep, budget prep, washing and cleaning so we can relax when our wee one arrives. 🙂
More time outside (gardening, reading while the toddler plays, swinging, etc.) seems to help me be more productive - it's just so dang hot and humid here in South Louisiana (but there I go again turning into a lazy bones). 🙂
Kristen, this post is so timely for me! Last night I was thinking about how much time I spend doing things that don't really help me in the long run. Thanks for the great idea!
What a great idea! I've done spending journals and food journals before but never thought to do a time journal. I think I'll join in because I KNOW that there is a lot of time in my day that could be used way more productively.
Honestly lately I've been feeling like there is too MUCH time to do things in a day- we get bored every afternoon because everything has been done that needs to be done. I need to look at some of those fun activities I pinned on Pinterest a while ago and actually do then with my kids instead of just zoning out on the computer.
You know, when I'm feeling scattered and like time is just evaporating, it generally turns out that there's some emotional thing that I'm avoiding dealing with. Not necessarily a huge deal or anything, but when there's something gnawing at me, I tend to fill my life with meaningless web surfing and general aimless busy work that keeps my mind just occupied enough so I don't have to face whatever it is.
So when I start feeling that way, the remedy generally involves making myself sit quietly for an hour or so and allowing myself to fully experience all of the anxiety or anger or whatever it is that I'm running away from. I don't particularly like doing it (hey - there's usually a reason that I'm avoiding whatever it is that I'm avoiding) but I always feel calmer, and more centered afterwards.
Yeah, I need to do this. I feel like lately I've been spending my day just dealing with small crises as they come, and then vegging out in between because I'm so emotionally drained. I think I need to be more proactive so that I'm not, every day, shocked when all my kids come to be hungry and cranky and bored at the same time.
I'm glad you addressed the whole issue of a time diary not being entirely accurate, because you're more aware. That's totally what stops me from doing things like that, because I figure, since it won't be a very accurate representation of how I usually spend my time, why bother? But, really, what's the downside to being more mindful for a week? That seems like a good thing, even if it leads to a not-exactly-perfectly-representative picture of my normal days.
So, I'm in.
I use a free online app (also available for smartphones) called toggl to track where me time goes. I started using it originally to track my sleep, but now I pretty much use it to know what I am doing. A friend gave me her old iphone and I use toggl on it - it is wonderful. The app can send you weekly reports and you can view what you do over time. I love this app and it has been very helpful to me. The developers are awesome too - they listen to feedback.
I've tracked my time for several different weeks over the past few years (and made many more people do so when I was writing 168 Hours). It is always eye-opening. I'd learn just how much time I wasn't sure what I was doing with. I'd notice work patterns -- being able to focus in the AM and losing focus later on. And email. Oh, does that get bad. Whole days can seem to disappear into the inbox. On the other hand, I thought I was spending my entire life emptying the dishwasher but it only took me 5-7 minutes each time.
Good Idea kristen... I maintain a notebook from years, in that, I write to-do list, upcoming events (like, get dress from tailor,Pay electricity Bill or any upcoming event). Daily night, I check if I have finished the task and also write upcoming day's task. This book also serves me as expense diary, menu planner, shopping list diary and diet diary. My this week's goals are:
1. Exercise 5 times a week
2. Follow the diet plan suggested by my dietitian
3. Cleansing, toning , moisturizing-- daily 2 times
4. Arrange my kid's wardrobe
5. Outside food to be reduces -- once in a week.
I am joining you in your 'time keeping' idea!!!
I must be feeling a bit scattered myself--made time today to sit down in the sun on the porch and list out the events and errands of the coming week, plus what I wanted to accomplish. I was doing that every Sunday evening over the winter and it made me feel much more in control of the week instead of feeling like I was just scrambling for everything at the last minute. Got out of the habit due to some medical matters this spring and it feels nice to be resuming a more intentional plan.
I will certainly join in. This has been on my mind for a while. There's a post planned titled 'Stop Wasting My Time' and this will be a fantastic lead-in. I'm so focused on reducing waste in other areas of my life.
"Time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend."
"• Diogenes Laí«rtius
Off to start that diary
It' summer...time to relax and lighten up. I usually keep a daily list of To Do items, but in the summer, I give it up and just go with the flow. I do keep one day of the week as chore day and the rest are rather haphazard as I enjoy my lazy days of swimming, reading novels, crafting, trying new recipes and enjoying the days.
I know it's different with children, but we all need time to just enjoy life in the summer.
Even though I do see how it can be helpful, this is something I'm not going to do, because I have account for every 6-minute block in my work day. And yes, I do include the time it takes me to keep track of every little thing I do. I have to fill out a paper time sheet and log everything into a bookkeeping computer program.
I've been having fewer bouts of procrastination lately (!) and have gotten quite a lot more done at home. But I'm not keeping track of it (he he).
Sounds like a good idea, Kristen. I, too, thrive on lists and tracking the things I need to do. But, one thing you may be pleasantly surprised by is ALL of the things you do accomplish in a day. I remember when I was raising my children that at times I felt like I just wasn't getting enough done. But, then if you see all that you do on paper, it is amazing that in one day you can accomplish sooo much. I, for one, think you do a fantastic job being a wife, mother, homemaker, church music person, piano teacher, homeschooler, cook, laundress, financial CEO, baker, shopper, sewer, crafter, and Blogger! See, and I just listed a few. So, girl, cut yourself some slack....you really do accomplish quite a lot.
I have been feeling the same way lately. I wrote a post about this on my blog today and how I have been reading so many blog posts lately that nudged me to realize I needed to take a step to changing things.
Staying up late has been one of my biggest problems.