Making The Most of Our Time

Have you ever noticed that time seems to move along more quickly when we are running behind? At the opposite end of the spectrum time seems to drag on when we are doing something we don't like.  Making better use of our time or being more intentional with the minutes we have can make us more productive and more content. I know I'm throwing around some important words like intentional and content but bear with me and I will explain.

1. Lists- Everyone has a list right? Some lists are better than others. I usually have a master list of everything that needs done sometime and a daily list of what is most important for any particular day. I love lists, but that's just me not wanting to forget anything. Believe me I have forgot important events that were not on my list. I usually add something to the list as soon as I am aware of it.
2. Prioritize- On any given day I might need to accomplish certain tasks. I have to be certain of what is the most important task I need to accomplish on that day. I often subscribe to the theory of doing the worst or most dreaded task first. After the most dreaded task is our of the way, then all of the rest is way easier in comparison.
3. Routine- Routines help me stay on task. I have a bad habit of getting distracted. Lets face it, our world has way too many distractions... Try to minimize distractions that will get in they way of your original plan. I love my routines and they serve me well. Some of them are so ingrained its like I am on auto-pilot especially those that I do every day. For example: I have a routine that I follow in the morning that includes bible study, coffee and taking my medications and vitamins. When I have to deviate for some reason I'm more likely to forget one of these things (usually the medicine).

If you use any of the above ideas, this may help free up some time for the activities that you enjoy in life. We are all given the same amount of time in each day. Be intentional in how we spend out time. How we choose to use our allotted time is up to us. If we get the housekeeping so to speak out of the way then we have more time for the activities that elevate our mood and help us find contentment. What do you do to make the most of your time?