by Paula Eder
Time management techniques are only as powerful as you are realistic. Even the best time management techniques will never provide you with the level of control you might like to exercise over your time, because life is always bigger than your plans. So your best strategy is to cultivate openness to change.

Most time management models are static, and people often construct their plans upon illusions of life’s predictability. So you might encounter resistance from many quarters if you approach planning differently, and base your time management upon a world in constant transition. Voices inside you and outside you may present arguments like these:

“Change is unpredictable. Why even think about it?”

“Unpredictability can generate stress. Best to stick with what you know.”

“Change brings losses along with any gains. So avoid change to avoid getting hurt!”

“Change requires added focus and work. Tiring to even consider!”

“Change reveals the limits of your control. How frustrating is that?”

Of course, it’s human nature to resent new and shifting demands. Fortunately, it’s also human nature to thrive when such challenges are embraced.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Charles Darwin

5 Benefits of Embracing Life’s Constant Changes

Benefit #1: The more you accept change as a constant, the more prepared you become. The more prepared you are, the more productive you are. Remember this “mantra” to help you embrace change management as a way of life: “The more you plan for change, the less you need to change your plans.”

Benefit #2: Expecting change keeps you alert and interested. Resistance generates stress and inflexibility. But your effectiveness increases when you engage with curiosity. And so does your creativity.

Benefit #3: Genuinely accepting the inevitability of loss and change lessens the pain of it. By taking in more fully that what surrounds us is in constant transition, you might find yourself experiencing a new level of gratitude for what exists in your life right now. Accepting life’s constant evolution also helps you focus on creating gains from new developments.

Benefit #4: You develop new strengths when you focus and work to welcome change. Intensive times of growth can foster positive turning points in your life, because the challenges fully engage you.

Benefit #5: Truly accepting the limits of your control helps you train your focus on what you can change. And that’s where all your power lies!

You may be are surrounded by temptations to pursue routines that turn into ruts. Extend compassion towards yourself for the all-too-human desire to “freeze” life into perfect patterns.

But also recall that climbing the learning curve offers the best views. Those who excel not only accept life’s ongoing changes - they capitalize on those changes. You can do this, too, by grounding yourself in the present moment and always breaking down imposing challenges into small, workable steps.

Notice which friends routinely discourage you from expanding your horizons, and which friends encourage your taking reasonable risks to grow. Develop a community of support for yourself, and you will attract more opportunities to revitalize your life, both personally and professionally.

What is your next step in making the most of your time?

Coach Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder, has 35 years of success helping individuals and small businesses align time with values. For free Time Templates + Tips, visitFinding TimeEnjoy our blog! TheTimeFinder

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com