While reading Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant, a statement he made really got me ruminating on how I spend my time. He said that he examined his calendar to see how much time he was spending 'doing' in contrast to time spent thinking and learning. This struck me deeply because learning is one of my personal core values. I never want to get so caught up in the ‘doing’ that I find myself in a place with little space left for the experiences that are most important to me. To address this, I set aside time in the mornings, evenings, and during long commutes for thinking and learning. Soon, I plan to set aside a whole week or weekend to go away with the sole intention of getting lost in books and my thoughts.
How does the way you spend your time align with what matters to you the most?
Here are some strategies to support you as you calibrate your calendar.
Alignment Audit. Start by reflecting on the things that are most important to you. This might look like identifying or revisiting your personal core values, or simply writing a list of the people, places, and experiences that hold high meaning for you. Now look at how you are actually spending your time. If you are an entrepreneur, how much time are you spending working in the business versus on the business? If you are a parent or partner, what does your ‘caring for others’ in comparison to your ‘caring for yourself’ ratio look like? What is your love language, and how many of the activities that you engage in are aligned with that quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, gifts, or acts of service that you need to feel treasured?
What are the indicators of alignment in your life?
Curate Your Community. As I support women and leaders through various transitions, I’ve observed a common theme around their need to find others who can relate as they navigate their new identities. As you shift personally and professionally, who are the people with similar roles that might make for promising peers? Even the greatest of leaders can benefit from the support of a mentor or coach. Who could serve in that role for you as you pour your time, energy, and support into the lives of countless others?
Who are you spending your time with and how are they impacting your energy?
Savor Your Space. Your environment plays a huge role in how you show up for yourself and in the world. Is the space that surrounds you conducive to what you want to achieve and how you want to feel? Intentionality around the lighting, objects in your line of sight, sounds, smells, and textures are all important considerations when it comes to setting the vibe you want for your rest and work time. This is also related to the people in your environment and how their energy impacts you. Depending on the task or intention, perhaps a change in environments may help, keeping in mind that you take you wherever you go, so assessing your internal environments (mental and emotional) may be necessary here as well.
How might your space be impacting or a reflection of your inner world?
This week I challenge you to take a good look at how you are spending your time and energy. Harmonize your happenings by calibrating your calendar.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am calibrating my calendar to make sure my activities align with what matters most.
I am curating my community to support me as I shift personally and professionally.
I am savoring spaces that include sights, sounds, and smells that delight and inspire me.