A thought before you start your week:
“Work either expands or contracts in order to fill the time available.”
~C. Northcote Parkinson
This clever thought is often referred to as “Parkinson’s Law.” Whether we want to admit it or not, it generally seems true in our lives. If you have a lot of time on your hands and not many important things to do, you’ll find yourself spending lots of times on a few things. Conversely, when life gets to be overwhelming, you’ll find ways to quickly get through your to-do list.
How will you break this cycle in your work habits? One thing I do is schedule new activities. If I want to spend time reading a science fiction book, I put the time in my schedule. It forces me to not procrastinate in my work. I have several coaching clients who have found ways to reward themselves for not dawdling. While I’ve never been excited about getting a pedicure, I’ve listened to people wax eloquently about them. Another client, a wine enthusiast, celebrates in his own way.
In every case, there is a mindful effort to step outside an habitual workflow and find a reason for something different; something worth spending extra time on.
What’s your mindful effort on your time habits?
What’s the one thing you want but can’t seem to find time for?
Who will you tell about it? If you’d like, leave a comment on the blog and I’ll be happy to be your partner!
