Lately, it feels like time is slipping through our fingers faster than ever. Our days are crammed fuller than that laundry basket I’d rather not confront, whistling past as if it can’t see me—like it’s judging me for the chaos. The modern world has a ridiculous relationship with time—having enough of it, using it wisely, and the relentless quest for BALANCE. Workdays drag on long past their intended end, and our children are following in our footsteps, becoming little amateurs in the art of being perpetually busy.
We’ve become experts at proclaiming our busy lives. Who has the bandwidth for actual Time Management? Implementing yet another system? Not me. And you? I didn’t think so; you’re swamped!
With the days bursting at the seams, it feels like a relentless race to the finish line. I often find myself struggling to recall everything that’s transpired since dawn. Those optimistic plans I had seem like a distant memory. They probably included a list of tasks I meant to tackle or priorities I aimed to set. You know, like scheduling that mammogram or confronting that writing project that looms over me like a horror film villain. (I’d explain more about that horror flick, but I simply lack the time. Instead, look it up. Just don’t forget to schedule that mammogram or whatever else is waiting on your to-do list.)
There were people I meant to respond to, thoughts that felt significant in the shower but faded as the day’s distractions piled on my mind. Did I consume that half-eaten English muffin my kid left behind today? Or was that yesterday? Or did I just drink too much coffee while I unleashed a cereal massacre at the sink? This was while staring out at my frostbitten yard, mourning the dead bushes I failed to save from winter because I didn’t have Time. I briefly pondered seeking out my friend, a healer, to sort out my woes with her acupuncture, only to be interrupted by a text about something urgent, which knocked me off my train of thought.
It seems we rarely stray from our inherent time-management tendencies. Whatever method we naturally employ tends to predict how we’ll continue to operate. As a kid, I was horrified watching my brother’s almost comical procrastination. Just knowing he’d be cramming all his homework into last-minute panic sessions sent my nerves into overdrive. I observed him gathering crumpled papers and questionable food items, tackling tasks he could have spaced out over weeks. It was like a live freak show happening at our kitchen table.
I prided myself on my color-coded checklists and early rising. Yet, despite my lack of time-management skills, he somehow outperformed me academically, attended better institutions, landed a more prestigious job, and is now more successful in life. Meanwhile, I have my beautifully organized lists to show for my efforts. So, it appears we’ve both remained true to our respective natures. I suspect you haven’t changed much either.
Since I’m not a believer in time-management “tips” that will genuinely enhance your life, consider these as strategies to navigate your feelings about time scarcity.
1. Let Go of Some Tasks
Today, you can either finish that project that pays the bills or whip up a homemade delight. You’re freed from the burden of doing both. Embrace that reality.
2. Opt for Convenience
If you choose to focus on work, consider outsourcing your laundry. That overflowing hamper will no longer loom over you, and everything will return neatly folded, as if done by tiny robots. Don’t waste a moment feeling guilty about this time-saving luxury.
3. Manage Annoyances
When you’re overwhelmed, other people can irritate you. Select one group to practice patience with. Perhaps try not to be annoyed by your kids so frequently. I know they can be frustrating—I’ve experienced it myself! But your annoyance can lead to over-scheduling their activities, making them just as busy. Eventually, they’ll forge their own paths and you might miss them—wondering why you were so eager to push them out of the house when they could be living vibrant lives in exciting places.
4. Procrastinate with Purpose
It’s perfectly acceptable to delay that task until tomorrow.
5. Plan Your Getaway
Get started on planning your vacation now. Just envisioning it can bring you peace, making you more pleasant to those around you, and reducing the need to apologize for your crankiness.
6. Reconsider Social Media
You might not heed this advice, but look back—will you regret spending time curating and posting those perfectly staged moments for the same few dozen ‘Likes’? You’ll feel less overwhelmed if you cut back on your online presence. I’m wasting my time suggesting this, as I know you won’t stop scrolling or posting.
7. Acknowledge Your Efforts
Trust me when I say that you’re doing well. You’re doing your best, working hard most of the time. Try to ease up and allow yourself moments of nothingness.
These suggestions might be the worst advice you’ve ever encountered. Following them might lead to spectacular failures in life, as they’re not universally applicable. However, I can guarantee that the past few moments you spent reading this have been time well spent.
Summary
In a world where time feels scarce, juggling responsibilities can lead to overwhelming feelings. Embracing imperfection, prioritizing tasks, and letting go of guilt can help navigate the chaos. While traditional time-management tips often fall short, these unconventional suggestions aim to foster a healthier relationship with your busy life and its demands.