And in general, I feel like I’m not using my time optimally.
I have some idea of where I’m wasting it (excessive email-checking, anyone???), but in order to get a better grasp of what’s going on, I’m going to keep a time-diary this week.
I don’t think the time-diary will be a totally accurate representation of how I’ve been spending my time because whenever you have to write something down, some self-correction occurs.
For instance, if you’re keeping a spending diary, you might be inclined to skip buying that candy bar at the gas station.
But I think this self-correction is actually really valuable, because it means that you’re thinking harder about what you’re spending your money on.
And I’d like to think a little harder about what I’m spending my time on, especially when it comes to my internet usage.
Want to join me?
Just write down how you spend your time this week…I plan to keep a small pad of paper with me, but you could do it on a mobile device, like a laptop or something if you prefer. I just like pencil and paper. 🙂
Don’t fret if the upcoming week is an atypical week, because at least for me, it seems like every week has something atypical happening.
(I suppose that means that atypical events are typical, which would then mean that they’re not atypical at all….)
Anyway!
If you want to get a better handle on where your precious hours are going each week, join Elizabeth and me this week. At the end of the week, we’ll each be posting about what our time diaries showed us, and how we think we can cut back on some of the time-wasting that happens in our lives.
Dianna @ practicing frugal
Monday 18th of June 2012
I have been feeling the same way lately. I wrote a post about this on my blog today and how I have been reading so many blog posts lately that nudged me to realize I needed to take a step to changing things.
Staying up late has been one of my biggest problems.
Linda M
Monday 18th of June 2012
Sounds like a good idea, Kristen. I, too, thrive on lists and tracking the things I need to do. But, one thing you may be pleasantly surprised by is ALL of the things you do accomplish in a day. I remember when I was raising my children that at times I felt like I just wasn't getting enough done. But, then if you see all that you do on paper, it is amazing that in one day you can accomplish sooo much. I, for one, think you do a fantastic job being a wife, mother, homemaker, church music person, piano teacher, homeschooler, cook, laundress, financial CEO, baker, shopper, sewer, crafter, and Blogger! See, and I just listed a few. So, girl, cut yourself some slack....you really do accomplish quite a lot.
Elaine in Ark
Monday 18th of June 2012
Even though I do see how it can be helpful, this is something I'm not going to do, because I have account for every 6-minute block in my work day. And yes, I do include the time it takes me to keep track of every little thing I do. I have to fill out a paper time sheet and log everything into a bookkeeping computer program.
I've been having fewer bouts of procrastination lately (!) and have gotten quite a lot more done at home. But I'm not keeping track of it (he he).
Diane
Monday 18th of June 2012
It' summer...time to relax and lighten up. I usually keep a daily list of To Do items, but in the summer, I give it up and just go with the flow. I do keep one day of the week as chore day and the rest are rather haphazard as I enjoy my lazy days of swimming, reading novels, crafting, trying new recipes and enjoying the days.
I know it's different with children, but we all need time to just enjoy life in the summer.
Jo@simplybeingmum
Monday 18th of June 2012
I will certainly join in. This has been on my mind for a while. There's a post planned titled 'Stop Wasting My Time' and this will be a fantastic lead-in. I'm so focused on reducing waste in other areas of my life. "Time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend." "• Diogenes Laí«rtius Off to start that diary