Balancing Time

Actually, it's not possible. You can't balance time because it never sits still. It's always moving forward with or without us, and that's why time management is so important. Some people consider themselves planners, using calendars and apps to help them organize their week day by day. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants. It's a cute expression, but the truth is, it doesn't work.

We learn eventually, if we don't learn it from our parents or the scriptures, that time is one of God's greatest gifts. We have our free agency to use it wisely or waste it running "to and fro." And it isn't just about being productive, organized or even successful. Poor time management unbalances our lives. We have more stress, missed deadlines, forgotten promises and lost goals.These stresses and frustrations interfere with our relationships. It's hard to be nice when you don't feel nice.

Have you ever seen a domino artist set up hundreds of dominoes into a creative pattern or brilliant piece of art? All it takes to mess up his project is one little domino falling over in the wrong place at the wrong time. As we look over our calendar at each new month, we have weeks that need to be planned. As we look over our new week after every weekend, we have seven days to organize in order to live our lives to our greatest potential. Poor planning is the precursor to poor time management. And once that first domino falls, everything in its path is struck and affected in one way or another.

If you're not a list maker, become one. You can keep a list on your desk, fridge or nightstand. Plan out your week on the same day at the same time until it becomes a habit. (I do it on Sunday nights.) Plan out your morning the night before or when you first arise. You don't need an expensive calendar, although I recommend keeping something where you'll see it everyday. You can pick up a simple calender at a dollar store for just a buck or print one off the Internet. A simple notepad or piece of scratch paper will do for a daily list. Mark off each item for the day that you need to accomplish, and you'll revel in the satisfaction.

There are all kinds of apps for your phone and even alarms if you prefer to use technology to stay on top of things. I know some people like to use Google's calendar on their laptops to stay organized. Whatever method you find works for you, commit to writing down your plans daily and weekly. Before you know it, your months will be full of accomplishments and a lot less stress. Soon you'll find, as you grow and move forward year after year, balancing your time won't be such a balancing act after all.

~Danielle Thorne