God gives food to every bird, but does not throw it into the nest.
Montenegrin proverb
I wake up every morning, usually after a good, solid, 9 hours of sleep. Im usually quick to get out of bed, I mean 9 hours probably is alot of sleep for most adults, so, it would be wrong for me to complain! Leaving the calming comfort of my mattress at 6.45am is not usually an issue. The first hour of my morning routine is identical (Monday through Friday.)It consists of myself and 3 children going through the motions of "preparing for our day."
We are up, beds made, dressed, fed, clean, pets needs met and have lunch packed, homework packed, planners signed and are backing out of the driveway by 7.33am!
It is so empowering to have such a productive hour. I mean everything that is on the list is done, i dont drop the kids off at school thinking i have forgot something, I am not anxious about what i still need to get done.
I arrive at my office 8.05am and sit at my desk. Then the craziest thing happens!!! I look up at the computer screen and its 10.43am. NOOOOOOO!!! I look again, yep, its10.44am. OK. I try to evaluate what happened in the 2hours and 38 minutes prior.............More time wasted!!
Recognizing where my issue lay was easy. I am a procrastinator of tying up loose ends. If i dont have a list, a plan, if i dont prioritize and write it down, im the one who yells "Ooh, a squirrel" It is a hard lesson to learn, even harder to discipline yourself, but time management is essential. I am great when it comes to meetings, give me a time and a day and i am there, prepared with expected material in hand for a successful productive show! However, if im at my desk, internet browser open and my phone is by my side, i can guarantee you that i am not getting anything productive done.
I really enjoyed the concept of "First Things First" by Stephen R Covey. It is actually a philosophy that is deeper than time management. It helped me develop a system of accomplishing all my goals, from making all the quick phone call to preparing a presentation for a potential client meeting and still having time to pick the kiddos up from school on time!
Sometimes, life is not perfect, i dont stick to my plan, i dont prioritize and i do get distracted. On those days, i like to announce that im taking a day off.
On the days where i have my plan, my systems are working, clients are satisfied, customers are happy, business associates compliment my ability, those are the days i work extra! I am fired up, excited, motivated and confident. "I am making it happen."
By: Anna Daily
Paragon Property Group GA
Where we are an outstanding example in the Real Estate industry
