Time… Time…Not Enough Time

Hispanic Times Magazine, August, 2000 by Aleta Pippin

Have you felt that way? Isn't it frustrating to discover that time offers a very real limitation or if you prefer...discipline? There are two things for you to consider about time. First--there will never be enough time to get everything done. Therefore it's important to remember the second thing--that you need to relax, be more loving with yourself, and enjoy life's journey.

We're bombarded with an ever-increasing number of opportunities, yet we don't seem to have adequate time to accomplish the things we're working on right now. If that weren't enough, we believe we're not working fast enough to keep up with the continual inflow of information. Worse yet, we feel as if we'll be left in the dust if we don't keep up. In the face of these seemingly overwhelming challenges, how do you make each day purposeful and productive and still enjoy the journey?

Following are some steps to assist you.

1. Set a clear intention of what you want to accomplish that day, that week, that year.

2. Keep your focus laser-like on accomplishing what you've determined is most important.

3. Be willing to turn down added responsibilities if they're not in harmony with your intention.

4. Make your time productive, i.e. don't get bogged down in administrative tasks if you're the big picture person.

5. Delegate those jobs that slow you down or prevent you from accomplishing your desire.

6. Be sure to include time for yourself, family, and friends.

Of course before you can make these steps really work for you, you must be clear about what you want to accomplish in your life. Find a quiet spot and with pen and notebook in hand, consider your answers to the following requests:

* Write out a definition for success that is purely yours.

* Describe your dream or vision in detail including how you'd feel if you were actually living it right now.

* Notice whether there's any incongruence between your dream and your beliefs about your dream.

* Notice whether you feel worthy of success and accomplishing your dream.

* Spend some time appreciating yourself and your accomplishments.

If you'll take time to complete these key exercises, you'll have taken an important step to living purposefully.

Aleta Pippin is president of The Authentic Entrepreneur Institute and author of "Sit Still and Succeed" audio program. "Seven Habits of a Centered Person" and "Yikes!! My Butt's Falling. "She is the founder of Front Office Business Centers in Houston (which she founded in the midst of a severe recession and guided to phenomenal success). She can be reached at 800-686-0923 or www.aentrepreneur.com.