It feels like there’s never enough time in my day to balance work and family, not to mention my own mental health and well-being. How do I make more time for myself?
Signed,
Ticking Timer in Tuscaloosa
Dear Ticking Timer,
It’s no secret that we live in a rapidly changing world that never slows down. Especially with the holidays, this time of year is notoriously filled with exhaustion and overwhelm. I hear often that there’s too much to do and not enough time, where we are drowning and feel like we don’t have the time to breathe, much less find time for ourselves.
We have 1440 minutes per day, and we get to choose how to spend them. We have growing to-do lists, carpool pickup, meals to plan, and projects to complete. But if we focus on all the things, we immediately go into overwhelm.
If we give 100% at work, then life at home suffers, or vice versa.
It makes us constantly feel less than or not good enough—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I’m letting you in on a little secret. Work-life balance is a myth. There’s no such thing, especially in this non-stop world of “so muchness.” I call it a work-life blend or work-life integration.
It’s totally possible to slow down time. You and I both have this superpower!
How, you ask?
We focus on the next thing—not everything at once.
I’ve found that a few minutes of self-reflection every month helps me understand:
- How I spend my time day-to-day
- Who/what I spend my energy on
- Where I spend my money
When you’re armed with this information, you can focus your efforts on things that matter most.
Remember, change is a guarantee—there’s only what’s now and what’s next. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t worry about next week. Don’t even think about next month. And, if you haven’t already, please resign as General Manager of the Universe.
Zoom in on one project, one meal, or one workout at a time.
Be present.
Stay focused on the task in front of you.
When it’s done, move on to something else. You’ll find that you have way more time than you think. You’ll feel more efficient, more confident, and more motivated.
For more tips on making time stop, check out my latest blog on celebration, self-reflection, and gearing up to thrive in 2025. I guarantee it’ll help you change your perspective and fuel your Unstoppable Momentum.
| All questions for the Ask Kim columns come from audience surveys, emails, social media, and one-on-one conversations with leaders. With topics ranging from building resilient teams to leading change, Kim Becking is ready to help you become more adaptable, resilient, and ready to ignite Unstoppable Momentum! Have a question for Kim? Send her an email here! |
