Don’t Have Time? Then Combine!

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By Gina | February 11, 2010

So many people say they don’t have time (me included) for this or that - this or that being working out, eating healthy, seeing family and friends, reading, or whatever this or that is for you. Maybe it’s stuff you used to love to do, people you used to enjoy hanging out with or possibly the other YOU that not too long ago was a bit thinner, healthier, and just overall less stressed out.

Lately I’ve decided to take notice of what I’m doing on a daily basis to see where all my time goes. I have to say I was pretty amazed to realize that much of my time was spent doing what I call ‘wasteful stuff’ that wasn’t in alignment with the direction and focus I want my life to take. I thought it was stuff that would move me forward in my life, but it wasn’t.

(*Just a note - when I say, life, I’m referring to my whole life. This includes my personal and business life as one. I infuse my life experiences into my business and this is why the two are intertwined).

Time to do something about it.

First thing to do: Choose what you are not willing to give up.

What I’m not willing to give up: My workouts, time with Al, walking Roxy, eating healthy, time to BE, seeing family and friends, reading, learning new things, my business…..

What are you not willing to give up?

Second thing to do: Choose to infuse each day with that which you love.

It all comes down to a choice. You can choose to do that which ignites you, or you can choose not to.

For instance, let’s say you have a project to do that you are so excited about. You can choose a certain day to start that project, or you can choose to do other things such as check your email inbox, check facebook updates or watch a tv show. Out of those 4 things I just mentioned above, which would really ignite your inner spark? All you need to do is think of each one and be aware of the feelings that come up. We all truly know deep down what would really align us with where we want our life to go. It’s not always the easy choice. It’s definitely harder, let alone more time consuming, to start and research a project. But you know in the long run, you can feel it with your whole being, that starting that project would enhance your life so much more than the other 3 activities I mentioned above.

Do you feel what I’m saying?

So getting back to this time thing and choosing what to infuse your day with when you wake up and have the whole day in front of you to choose to do whatever it is that you want.

Here’s what I choose:

I decide I want to start that project, but I also want to walk Roxy and workout. Time to start thinking creatively. I know the project will take up most of the hours of my working day. What could I do to incorporate the other two things I want to get done that day (walking my dog and working out)?

Combine!

Instead of doing a separate workout, (which of course I will have time for on other days, but for this example day, I don’t), I combine my workout with walking my dog. (I hope you do realize, you don’t always have to go to the gym to get a good workout). So not only is Roxy happy because she got to go for a nice walk and sniff stuff when she wanted to, but I got a workout in simultaneously, and a great one at that!

This is just one way you can combine two things you love to do in a way that serves you. As I combine more stuff, I’ll let you know how it goes and what creative ideas come to mind.

Until then, what do you think about this whole combining concept? Is this something you do already? If yes, then share if you’d like! We all have innate wisdom and sharing is another way to give so if you’re up to it, start typing below - I’m not the only one who could be typing and sharing!