Imagine if you achieved all the tasks you set your mind to quickly and effectively and If you achieved every goal you set. What would be possible in your life?
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. – Carl Sandburg
Many of my coaching clients ask me for help with time management, and I have many tools to recommend. But before I do this, I ask them about their attention. Poor attention is the biggest reason why people struggle with time management, not a lack of skills.
The Link Between Attention and Time Management
Attention is an essential aspect of time management because it allows you to focus your precious resources of time and energy on the tasks that are most important and relevant to your goals. When you can pay attention to the task at hand, you are less likely to be distracted by “shiny objects” and more likely to complete your work efficiently. Additionally, paying attention to your priorities can help you allocate your time effectively so that you can accomplish the tasks that are most important to you first. You can improve your time management skills and become more productive by improving your attention.
Why We Struggle to Pay Attention And What We Can Do About It
The bad news is that we humans are biologically wired to be distractible. It goes against our natural design to sit for hours and work. Our ancestors needed to scan for danger and opportunities all the time.
The first piece of good news is that we can train our attention to focus for more extended periods on tasks that may not be particularly novel or interesting, and when we do, we get more from our time and energy.
The second piece of good news is that research into tools to improve attention determined that mindfulness practice is a powerful tool for improving attention. One such meditation type, “label with anchor,” is effective. There are many versions available; here’s the link to mine https://www.drleonaurarhodes.com/freemeditations/
“Peak Life Design” – creating the life you want to live – will require you to optimize your time and energy, and this is possible with a combination of attention training and finding time management tools that work for you.
