Take Back Your Time!

Savoring a rich, full life requires a willingness to put those ever-present to-do lists in their place.

1. For one week, keep a daily log of how much time you spend taking care of others' needs. Mark the hours on a calendar and total them up at the end of week. With this new insight, ask yourself the following question: Can I afford to take time from my life to do this? In cases of helping others as an expression of generosity, ask, Is generosity my true motivation, or am I helping out of obligation, or guilt?
2. Revamp your do-to list. Make one long list of everything you need to do, and then, using the following questions, review each item, letting go or delegating as many tasks as you can. *Is this item outdated? Does it still need my attention? If not, eliminate it. *Can someone else do this task? If so, delegate it. *Do I really take care of this item myself? Is it essential that I, and no one else, accomplish this task? If so, keep it on the list. When you're finished, divide your list into an immediate one (no more than 10 items) and the remaining list. Keep only the short list in view!
3. Streamline your e-mail. Sort your inbox alphabetically by sender, then look for ways you can delete unwanted e-mail at its source. *Immediately unsubscribe from any lists that no longer interest you. *Ask co-workers to stop copying you on nonessential news. *Set up your e-mail's filtering system so that it sorts unwanted junk mail directly into the trash. *Create folders for e-mails you need to act on, and those you want to separate and save. Delete the rest.
4. Create a sign that will remind you to spend your precious time on what matters most to your soul. Come up with a fun, inspiring message- Queen for the Day; Self-Care First; Music Matters; Into Nature Now!-and hang it prominently in your work space where you'll see it each day. It will help you keep your perspective.