In retirement, many of us have time to slow down and the freedom and flexibility to make our own decisions. Yet, we can find ourselves busier than when we worked. In fact, I’ve had clients tell me, “I am so busy that I don’t know how I had time to work!” If you agree with this sentiment, then here are three tips for managing your life.
Tip 1. We Don’t Manage Time.
Early in my career, I was hired to facilitate many workshops on “Time Management” with the goal of helping employees become more efficient and effective. But I told them, “We don’t manage time. We manage our behaviors in the context of time. Whether we like it or not, time keeps ticking away.” My emphasis became making them aware of how they spend their energy, attention, and focus. And this emphasis has only become more important in this economy where everyone is fighting for your attention.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says this: “The more control you have over your attention, the more control you have over your future. And it starts with having enough courage to protect your time.”