Finding time to give thanks is not always easy

If you and your family have escaped infection from Covid-19, that is a lot to be thankful for! 

If your business is thriving, stand up, raise your hands to the sky and say THANK YOU! And, pat yourself on the back because you have done a great job. Businesses that are alive and well belong to a select group in our current environment. Recognizing the struggle so many others are experiencing means being grateful for all you have received. Now is the time to turn the tables and think about giving.

Finding time and giving thanks are the most important gifts you can give yourself this holiday season.

Time is one of those commodities we often take for granted. At this time of the year, we easily become over-stressed and distracted. And, stress is at an all time high because many of us will not be celebrating as we have in the past. 

I’m already wondering how I will see my family who are flying in from different states. Meals together? Maybe not. Large gatherings. Definitely not. Hang out time—which is always the best—might not work this year. Sleepovers. Hard to give up.

How will I celebrate without worry? Distress comes from not being able to join in, share gifts, enjoy holiday meals. I’m sure you have experienced this rabbit hole that is called worry. Talk about time wasters! See #8 below.

The Gift Of Time

One of the gifts that I love giving my community is the gift of TIME. As a young adult, there were years in my life when I was always late (Okay, I still struggle, occasionally). But if you had known me then, and you know me now, you would say that today I am an organized and on-time (mostly) person. Back then, it seems I was always chasing something, trying to fit in more than was humanly possible. I have come to appreciate the calm that envelops you when you relax into the present. (Even while a tornado might be swirling around behind you.) 

Finding time comes from making time—time for what is important to you in your life and your work. It also comes from knowing your priorities and acting on your values.

10 Time-Savers

My Thanksgiving gift to you are 10 time-savers you can put to work immediately so you can find the time you need to pay it forward:

1. Plan your work and work your plan—you will save at least 1 hour each day when you are utterly clear on how and what you will do tomorrow.
2. Plan BIG—Owning your own business is not for the weak. Make big plans, then see #1.
3. Delegate, delegate, delegate—If you have employees, put them to work. If you are a solo business owner, you need help, too. Use freelancers, contractors, virtual assistants, interns wherever you can and free up 3-5 hours each week to plan, dream and envision where you want your life and your business to take you. (And, spend your time on what you love doing best.)
4. Energize—No day should go by without your commitment to walking, running, biking. Yoga is good for your stress. Cardio is good for your health and improves your energy, cognition and strength, all of which you need to accomplish more in less time.
5. Achieve clarity—Laser focus in on your gifts to identify the right work for you. Time flies when you are in the flow.
6. Maintain a positive attitude—Wasting time on what was, what happened and who did it to you eats up precious minutes in the day.
7. Be present—Whatever you are doing, do it 100% and then move on to the next thing. Stop procrastination in its tracks. You lose hours when you put off work that needs to get done. Whatever you are doing in its place is busy work. See #1.
8. Put worry aside—Everything is different this year and that means losing stress over the changes we must make for the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. Gift cards save time. Use Eclectic Design to create your holiday cards and save time. Can’t afford gifts this year? Put worry aside and save time. Substitute gifts with pure, unapologetic love. (Nothing like a Chicago pizza delivered in California.)
9. Prepare—No more late nights creating proposals or completing unfinished work. Getting a good night’s sleep is proven to be the most important health benefit you can give yourself. Starting work fresh each day is crucial to productivity. See #7.
10. Recognize your limits—You are only one person. A superstar I know, a Wonder Woman to be sure, but there is only one of you. Be realistic. Identify what is most important, what has to be done now, and put all your efforts into accomplishing that. The time you save by not trying to do it all, is the time you save to pay it forward.