The ‘Never Enough Time’ Crunch & How I Created It

I will now confess a guilty secret: I always under-schedule my time. Try to pack too much in. Make a to-do list that would intimidate an Army sergeant. Leave three projects undone on my desk late at night. Live in perpetual shame that I haven’t done it all.

See the vicious cycle? I somehow can’t make myself stop doing this … and it’s not terribly productive. Not if everything you do has the stink of shame around it, simply because ten other things aren’t happening at that exact same moment.

Mind you, I take breaks. I read The Power of Full Engagement – I understand how that works, and the value of being refreshed every two hours. BUT, I also have an appetite that’s too big for what I could do.

I think the problem is there’s no automatic ‘No!’ mechanism. I’m still operating as if I have to seize every opportunity that comes along. Oh … to just have one day when I got everything done on my list, with nothing left over.

Do you relate to this? How have you managed to tame the wild beast who wants to create a monster to-do list?

Comments

[Frances]

Oh how I relate to this! I have the action list which never seems to diminish from week to week. If fact I always seem to transfer most of it each Sunday night to next wee's list. Why? Who are these gremlins who steal my time , because I always seem so busy- but have I achieved?
I too long for a day when I could wake up and have nothing to achieve. But then I would feel guilty- because I was not busy "doing" something. But what is it I spend time "doing" if I never seem to complete the Action list.
Perhaps I try to achieve too much, but deep down is the thought I have not acieved enough.

[Suzanne Holman]

When I decided my theme for 2006 was "Clear and Create", I have found amazing things happen.
Not only am I clearing "stuff" from my home, I'm filtering every activity I consider as to whether it qualifies for my create category or if it may be "clutter" to my life.
I've always had the feeling I did't want to miss out on anything. I'm finding that I am more peaceful with the decisions I make to decide against some of the tempting opportunities.
Focus may be a good thing for me after all!

[Kelly]

I relate to this immensely as well. Ever since I read David Allens 'Getting Things Done' and begin implementing some of the principles & habits he outlines into my life, I've found so much more room to breathe easy and guilt-free. Many focus-related struggles of mine, which I currently attributed to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder, have melted away. I highly suggest this book to anyone who has a To Do list, of any length. I hope it helps!

--K.