“If only there were more hours in the day”, you say to yourself…
What would you do with extra hours if you had them? Fill them with stuff! Work more, go to more meetings, sign your child up for another activity, volunteer more hours, get the lawn mowed…but would anyone just leave those hours blank?
No matter whether you are a business owner, corporate employee, single, married, parent, grandparent, or retiree, the average American is far busier than he should be.
True, we are a hard-working, resourceful, and successful Nation, but we are also a very stressed out, unhealthy, and somewhat unbalanced society too. In fact, for all of the great health care available to us, we have one of the shortest life expectancies of the developed world, and I am convinced it is primarily caused by our “can’t sit still” lifestyle.
Most Americans (and I truly believe that the majority fall into this category) are giving, generous, and caring people, usually at our own expense, and usually with the sacrifice of our most precious commodity – TIME.
What does the airline attendant tell you in the case of a sudden loss of cabin pressure? “Take the oxygen mask and place it over your own head before helping those next to you.”
America, it’s time for us to help ourselves, and put ourselves in a position of strength before we try to help everyone around us. This goes for our families, personal relationships, careers, communities, children, faith, and we could even take this to a political or economic level…but I won’t.
So, where do we start? Take back control of your calendar. Time blocking is a simple method to carving out time for your most essential personal wellness activities. One hour, two hours, half a day…whatever it takes for you to rejuvenate, reflect, exercise, sleep…basically make sure that you have the energy, positive attitude, and focus to be at your best in every facet of your life.
There’s one important rule. Time blocks cannot be compromised. It is very easy to fill your block with something that seems like a necessity at the time. But every compromised time block for you will only reduce your productivity and happiness over the long haul.
About the Author
Peter N. Blok, CFP® is a financial advisor proprietor of Blok Financial. His goal is to build lifelong relationships with a select number of families seeking financial advice free from corporate agenda, delivered in a simple and understandable way. Peter has a regular to the BVN blog. You can visit Peter on LinkedIn to learn more.
Securities and advisory services offered through H Beck, member FINRA/SIPC. Blok Financial and H Beck are not affiliated.