Reinventing your relationship with time
As an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant or Administrative Professional, you understand the importance of time management. After all, having control over your calendar and workload is essential to be successful in this demanding role. But there’s more to it than just checking off tasks: how can you become a master at managing your time? How can you redefine your relationship with time so that it works for you? It’s possible to achieve an empowering balance between work life and well-being. This article will share tips for reinventing your relationship with time.
In today’s fast-paced world, our perception of time has changed. Gone are the days when we went to a job to make money. We now seek purpose, happiness, and fulfilment in our work. We want to make a difference and enjoy ourselves while doing it. It’s no longer acceptable to spend 40 or 50 hours a week hating our lives, only to look forward to two days of respite on the weekend. If you don’t enjoy what you do, it’s time to take control and make changes.
As an Assistant, it’s crucial to understand that you are investing your time and life in your organisation. It’s a relationship, and it should be a mutually beneficial one. You should feel valued, appreciated, and fulfilled in your work.
Take ownership of your time
One of the keys to reinventing your relationship with time is taking ownership of it. Don’t let others manage your time for you. Be proactive and intentional with how you spend your time. Avoid falling into the trap of constantly reacting to external demands and distractions. Instead, prioritise your tasks, set goals, and manage your time effectively to achieve them. When you control your time, you’ll feel empowered and more in charge of your life.
What are your time management beliefs?
Another crucial aspect of changing your relationship with time is examining your beliefs. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Abigail Barnes, Author of Time Management for Entrepreneurs & Professionals. Abigail says, we are often programmed with specific ideas about time from childhood, from our parents, teachers, society, and the media. These beliefs can limit us and hold us back from maximising our time and productivity. Common negative beliefs about time include “I don’t have enough time,” “I don’t know where to start,” or “Everyone keeps interrupting me.” These beliefs can create a victim mentality and prevent us from taking control of our time.
The first step in changing your beliefs about time is awareness. Pay attention to the thoughts and beliefs that arise when you think about time or productivity. When negative beliefs occur, please take a deep breath, and challenge them. Replace them with empowering beliefs, such as “I have enough time to prioritise and accomplish my tasks,” “I know how to manage my time effectively,” or “I am in control of my time and my life.” By changing your beliefs, you can shift your mindset and take charge of your time and productivity.
Reinventing your relationship with time requires a mindset shift. It’s time to let go of the old belief that time is solely for making money and embrace the idea that time is an opportunity for purpose, fulfilment, and happiness. Take control of your time, set goals, prioritise tasks, and challenge negative beliefs. When you change your relationship with time, you’ll become much more productive, maximising your time and making the most of your life. Don’t let time manage you; take charge and make a difference.
As an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant or Administrative Professional, developing skills and strategies that work for your time management is essential. Redefining your relationship with time means balancing work life and well-being.
After exploring the tips in this article, you should feel prepared and motivated to take the next step towards becoming a master of managing your time. Consider enrolling in an online course to explore time management and productivity further. You have all of the knowledge necessary to get started on a path towards redefining your relationship with time – so what are you waiting for? Enrol today in our Productivity and Time Management for Assistants online course!
