If you want to be more intentional with your time, I have a simplified version of an exercise I do with people I work with, which has some steps you can follow yourself to help you with this:

1. First, think about what it is you’d like to spend more time on, and what feels like a realistic and achievable amount to commit to, based on your current priorities.

2. Next, think about when it makes sense to fit time for that in based on your current schedule. Then, schedule in a time you’d like to commit to making a start on that. (I recommend initially starting with something small that feels easy to fit into your current schedule.)

3. After a few days or a week or so, set a time to review how things are going. Think about how you feel about how you’re getting on so far, and whether your system is working. Then make any adjustments you need. If carving out time for what you’ve chosen is important to you, keep revisiting this step until you’re happy with how much time you’re spending on it.

Also, if you find that you’re still not making time to do what you’ve chosen to do at all, think about what’s gotten in the way so far, and what you can try next time. You can also revisit whether the amount and time frame  you initially chose is manageable.

If you tend to do well with accountability, a bonus tip is that you can ask someone you know to help you with accountability.

The main thing is to brainstorm and flesh out a plan that feels achievable and realistic to you. You’re more likely to be able to get started with something that fits into the rhythm of your current routine. Also, when we get going with things, they eventually become a part of our routine and doing them starts to feel natural, as we create a habit.

To sum up, if there’s something you’d like to focus more of your time on, making a commitment to spend more time on it, and fleshing out a simple plan, is an easy way to get started with it.

If what I talked about today resonated, I’d love to hear your comments and what your takeaway is.