Make a Change and Create Opportunity

When a person is not succeeding as well as desired, it only makes sense that some change is indicated. Norman Vincent Peale

I recently heard that most people don’t have a time management problem, they have opportunity overload problem. I would have to agree. At this moment, I’m alone for a few hours and could choose to see a movie, read, clean house, cook, exercise, clean the yard, paint, sew, or brush the dogs. None of those activities listed are on my to do list, yet the opportunity is available. Choices are always before us. So how are you deciding how to spend your time? One of my favorite quotes is from Earl Nightingale, "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." It helps me focus on what it is I really want and not to let how long it takes for me to achieve the goal deter me from beginning.

I’m in the middle of an online class right now that is self paced. I started out with the plan of 1 chapter a day. After several classes taken that way, I wasn’t pleased with my progress. I spent some time thinking about the goal of the class – to pass. Not to get the best grade, not to memorize every fact. My goal is to be done so I can use these credits to be eligible to the licensing test. I made a change. Like Norman Vincent Peale reminded me in his quote above, if it isn’t right, make a change. I did 3 chapters today in about the time I was taking to do one chapter deeply.

Change also may be needed in perspective. Of all the opportunities available, which activities will bring you closer to your goal? View all that you do in a day and start filtering out and eliminating busy work, time wasters, and time fillers. Do you have to sort the mail everyday? What about making the bed? Literally take some time to think about what you do and how you do it. Is there another way? That “new” way may make the difference in reaching your goals faster or afford you more opportunities.