While chatting with a client recently the term "Time Optimist" came up in our conversation.  I don't think that I have ever heard that phrase before, but I really liked it.  Actually, I liked it enough to create a blog post around it!!

What is a Time Optimist? To me, a Time Optimist is someone who consistently believes that they can achieve more than is humanly possible, and, as a result, under-estimates the time they need to get something done.  ​Consequently, a Time Optimist tends to feel like they have "failed", never get caught up on their to do list, and often see their to do list grow instead of shrink.

Can you relate to the Time Optimist definition?

Generally, being an optimist is seen as a good thing. But in relation to time management, I'm thinking that the opposite applies.  So, I am proposing that instead of being a Time Optimist you transition to a Time Realist!  Here are some thoughts on how to accomplish this goal in a minimally painful way:

1.Take an objective look at everything that is

currently on your to do list.

2. Next to each item estimate a time that you think it will take to complete it.

3. If you have kids at home, it is ALWAYS necessary to leave some unscheduled time as SOMEONE invariably needs SOMETHING that is unexpected.

4. Nothing significant takes just five minutes. NOTHING!!!!

5. Do not forget to add in the time it takes you to actually get out of your house if you are going somewhere, as well as the availability of parking when you get there.

6. Prioritize and don’t take on too much in any given day - pick no more than three quick things to do that you can actually get done and up to three bigger tasks to take a bite out of. That's it!  If you knock off your tasks for the day and want to take on more – that’s a bonus!

7. Take some time to "observe" yourself and see how being a Time Optimist impacts you. Make adjustments in response to what you see.

8. Please remember you are HUMAN, so you will be more energetic on some days than others. Allow for this reality and give yourself a down day every so often.

9. BELIEVE that mastering the art of being a Time Realist will change your life in more ways than you can imagine.

10. Pick a day to get started...

Why does this matter?  Because STRESS is truly bad for your long term health.  And our connected, electronic lives make everything seem like we should get tasks done faster and faster. But that is just an illusion of life in 2015. And, in reality, the more stress that you can take out of your life, the better you will feel (and the less medical conditions that are aggravated by stress will impact you).

Please join me in becoming a Time Realist.

If you need help, let's schedule a visit to chat about the list shown above and other ideas or challenges you may have.

With love,

Deborah