Joy is Time Management

For years, I struggled with time management. I always had a million things to do. I was delaying gratification and working all the time. I felt as if I was getting nothing done. My to-do list was always growing, and I had no free time.

Now, I have many times as many responsibilities and still find time to play and have fun. Yet I have failed to master any time management techniques. It had finally occurred to me that the key to managing time is doing what I enjoy and enjoying what I do. Today, I sleep more, I sleep more restfully, and I am full of positive energy instead of motivated by fear of failure.

The single addition of my son, Tristen, has made this clear to me. Nothing in my life has brought me more responsibilities and commitment than he has. But, he also gives me more energy than he requires. I’ve often wondered how some parents can work, clean, cook home-cooked meals, take care of their children, be involved in their children’s extra-curricular activities and maintain sanity.

Children are better than amphetamines. They pump us full of energy but without the crash. Love is the greatest energy booster there is.

Love your work, and you will be ten times as productive. Love your home, and you will find it many times easier to keep up with maintenance and cleaning. Love your family, and the things you do for them will motivate you rather than drain you. Love your God, and the service you do in God’s name will be a joy.

Perpetual motivation, drive, focus and joy are yet another benefit of the practice of gratitude, because love and enthusiasm for life are perpetuated by gratitude.

If, like me, you find yourself with hopes and dreams that you once believed you could never accomplish because you do not have the time or discipline to accomplish them, remember that when we do what we love, time management comes much easier, and our ability to accomplish increases by volumes.