I'm busy. Between marathon training, building two businesses and spending time with my husband, I don't have much free time.
But am I spending my time in the best way?
I can count on one hand the number of times this year I've spent one-on-one time with close friends. Other than rides to and from the airport, I haven't seen my sister--who lives less than five miles from my house--since late January. When she asked if I could have lunch this Friday, I looked at my calendar. Not only could I not have lunch this Friday, but any Friday this month. Or dinner for the next three weeks.
Yes, I'm busy. And I work 80 hour weeks. I run 40+ miles a week. But it's MY time, and mine alone to schedule. Work should come a very distanct second to close friends and family.
We live in a society of urgency, immediacy, instant gratification and open access. It's very easy to book up every available hour in a day to accommodate someone else's schedule and neglect your own priorities. Just because you can respond immediately doesn't mean you should. That's why I turn off my Blackberry at night and am no longer ruled by my inbox. But it's time to apply that same principal to my calendar.
So, from now on, Thursday nights are sacred. I'll be hanging with my sister, enjoying a little 30 Rock, wine and girl time. Happily offline and out of touch.
This is a lesson I have quickly learned. I turn off my in-box most of the day and only take phone calls during certain times. In business, we have to control our time and our schedules or it can be really detrimental to our productivity.. which holds us back from achieving the great things we all work so hard for. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chris! I totally agree. I've been really good about the inbox, but for some reason, I let my calendar get out of control. If people have to wait a few weeks, it's okay. I want to make sure I'm scheduling some down time! I appreciate your comment.
ReplyDeleteLove this Laura! I just started an e-zine series on self care because my calendar looks like yours! I haven't yet found a great way to manage it...I'm still learning!
ReplyDeleteI am training for a 1/2 marathon, since I decided I didn't have time for the full! Good for you for figuring out how to do the full, AND work AND hubby AND friends....
I appreciate this perspective!!
Almost in line with Chris Brogans "The Anywhen Manifesto" (http://www.chrisbrogan.com/the-anywhen-manifesto/) - I agree to the fullest...
ReplyDelete@Torbjörn: Yes, true, but my issues are much smaller in scale!
ReplyDelete@Dani-Would love to read your e-zine series. I did six halves before I tackled the full. I actually look forward to my long runs--provides some great "me" time!
I identify with this a lot. I try to do it all, too (mostly unsuccessfully) and I really hear you on this one. I understand your drive to produce everything you dream of in your life, but also your acknowledgment of the importance of disconnecting from that world now and again--especially to spend time with the people you love.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteLove your post on priorities. From another who is often triple booked, glad to hear you are "blocking" some time for yourself. :)
Best wishes!
- Craig