More time for yourself

Time starvation is one of life's great frustrations.
Top CEOs may have lots of executive assistance.
But even they don't have enough time for everything.
Working women have it worse than men.
They have to meet the needs of jobs, families, homes.
They shop, pay the bills, do the house and yard work.
They chauffeur kids to soccer practice, music lessons
Then they prepare dinner. They're exhausted by bed time.
Here are three solutions:
1. Make a written list of your priorities each day.
Many people suffer because they have no plan to follow.
Without a written plan, you're flying blind.
Nobody's memory is that good.
2. Schedule more time for each project.
Most people load up their list and then are frustrated.
They just can't get it all done.
Everything takes more time that you think it will.
If you figure it will take 15 minutes, make it 30.
Then if you finish early, take a 5-minute coffee break.
3. Learn to say no.
Most of us have more requests than we can handle.
It's OK to say "Sorry, but I just don't have time right now."
It takes discipline to do it.
It takes high self-regard to do it without feeling guilty.
If it's easier for you, say, "Let me think about it."
Often you won't be asked again.
After you've said "no" a few times, it gets easier.
Just do it.
To share a time saver, click on "comment".

The importance of saying ‘no’

Yes, I find it hard to say no. You probably do, too.
I’m lucky. My wife tells me to say no and I do what she wants.
Saying no is hard because we don’t like to disappoint others.
But there are many opportunities in life. We can’t do them all.
You won’t hurt anyone’s feelings if you say no.
Just do it gracefully. Look them in the eyes and smile.
Say, "I’m honored you asked but I just can’t do it now."
That’s all you have to say. Don’t explain. Make no excuses.
Now think about what you’ve just done.
You’ve freed yourself from a commitment you did not want.
Hooray. Freedom is precious. It is not free.
You’ve just made more time for what’s important in your life.
These include your family, friends, fun and important projects.
Don’t fret that you may have missed an important opportunity.
Like buses, another opportunity will come along soon.
For more about guarding your time and freedom, click here.
This is about your own personal leadership of yourself.
Please watch the video and make a "comment" below.
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