“Since time is the one immaterial object which we cannot influence – neither speed up nor slow down, add to nor diminish – it is an imponderably valuable gift.” – Maya Angelou
We often think that to make the most of our time, we should plan more and work harder. Yet this is a fallacy. This type of mindset keeps us living in the future and not the now, which keeps us from making the most of our time management. Time is happening right now, not in the future. If our mind is living in the future, we are not making the most of our time right now. We are living somewhere else.
The secret to making the most of our time and time management is living fully in the moment. Here are some tips for fully being in the moment:
Choose One Focus
We live in a culture that takes pride in being busy, and we wear it like a badge of honor. We think that the more we can multitask, the more successful we are. Yet, the more we try to focus on at once, the less productive we become. We become more tired and worn down.
Instead choose the one thing that you can fully engage with in the moment, and be satisfied that it is enough. Allowing ourselves to be in the moment requires a mindset of permission.
Listen to Your Heart
There is a proverb that says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life.” If you want to know what to focus on in the moment, listen to your heart. Take a moment to stop and listen. Clarify priorities. What is most important? What will bring life and energy to yourself and those around you?
Flow in the Moment
As you choose your one focus, let your strengths go to work. If you start striving, feeling stuck, working harder, maybe you have the wrong focus for the moment or the wrong mindset. If your mindset is frustrated, angry or fearful, you are working against your productivity and against others. You cap your creativity and may put your strengths into overdrive, which become a liability.
You need to stop, quiet yourself and look at it from another perspective. Or maybe choose another focus for the time being. When you are fully flowing in the moment, you know it. Everything clicks together, your energy abounds, and productivity multiplies.
Be Fully with People in the Moment
When you are fully in the moment, your connection with people increases. When your moment involves other people, let people be your one focus. Be fully present with them. Listen intently to their words, not your thoughts. Seek their perspective. Be understanding of their feelings. This is the secret to emotional intelligence!
Enjoy the Moment
This past week I can think of times when my mind was distracted by trying to focus on one project while feeling the pressure to complete another project. Or when I was facing a challenging situation with a person, and I was consumed with the future outcome. At these times, I felt frustrated, angry and on edge.
But I can also think of a time, when I was just fully being with another person, even during some very difficult circumstances. I wasn’t consumed with finding a solution. I was being present and fully in the moment. My strengths flowed for what was needed right then for right movement. I felt energy, joy and connection. I was fully enjoying the moment.
Time is a gift. Treat the moment as precious, not just a commodity to move through. This will help your time management. Ask yourself, how can I focus, listen, flow, be with others and enjoy this moment?