"True time management is about filling our lives with things that deserve to be there." - Laura Vanderkam, 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
Three years ago, I had written a blog post about making better use of the 168 hours we all get each week.
In the post, I’d recommitted to honoring the following personal priorities:
1. Read and Write. Every day.
2. Sweat. Every day.
3. Breathe. Every day.
4. Connect. Every day.
5. Pause. Every day.
Image Credit: https://pschug.wixsite.com/parkersydneyschug
Reflecting on that time, I’ll admit I was nowhere close to being where I wanted to be, where I am now. While these remain my priorities, and I’m doing better than I was then, I still have a ways to go. In the meantime, I’ll share what’s worked, in terms of making the most of my day.
It begins the night before.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” - James Clear, Atomic Habits
I make and pack my breakfast and my lunch in the evening. And I set my 32 ounces of water out, next to the coffee pot in the kitchen.
I go to bed early enough to say I’ve gotten seven hours of sleep, most nights. My clothes are laid out the night before, in a way that requires no decision-making.
My alarm is set for 4:15 am.
When my alarm sounds, I rise and go to the kitchen. While the coffee brews, I hydrate and dress for my daily workout. My workout starts by 4:30 am and finished by 5:45 am.
After tending to a basic hygiene routine, I drive to work, which usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes. I am often able to catch the sunrise on my ride to work. Between my workout and my commute, I’m listening to one of my favorite podcasts or audio books. And I’m checking in with friends, through an asynchronous app called Voxer. My day of work generally runs from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. My calendar drives my priorities. The team I am privileged to serve alongside supports keeping focus on achieving those tasks that are most urgent and important. My schedule also includes what I eat and proper hydration. I write the majority of this down, for the purposes of personal accountability and habit tracking.
My afternoon commute mirrors my morning commute. When I get home, I invest 30 to 60 minutes in reading. In general, my family sits down to eat together nearly seven days a week, and I am responsible for pitching in by cleaning up after dinner. Evenings are for sitting as a family and catching up on our day.
And the routine begins all over again.
While I’m by no means perfect, working daily to maintain these priorities keeps me focused on those actions that improve my life.
The result?
A more purpose-driven and fulfilling life that makes me a better person, for others.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” - James Clear, Atomic Habits
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