Nobody has time to do the important things; they make the time.

Of course nobody can literally make or create time.

What we can all do is free up space in our lives to make time for the things that really matter. There are at least four ways to do that;

Modify. Modify what you do so you’ll spend less time doing it. Do you really need to read the Wall Street Journal, or would a brief skimming be sufficient? We all need to check our email, but not every five minutes. And maybe that report you’re laboring over doesn’t require Hemingway like writing. Write it concisely and get it done.

Adjust. Adjust your schedule so that high priority items get done first. The longer the day progresses, the more intrusions we experience. We often begin with good intentions, but become overwhelmed by mid morning. Change the order of your day to give emphasis to what matters.

Know. Know what is important. Clear priorities are key. Don’t let circumstance or others impose a sense of importance; understand your own values. Don’t spend time on events or activities that aren’t priorities.

Eliminate. Beware of unexamined habit. What are those things you started to do for good reason that you keep doing although the reasons for doing them have changed? For each of those habitual things you do each day, ask yourself: What would happen if I stopped doing it?

The end of the year is an excellent time to re-examine how you are investing your time. You can’t control every moment of every day, but you can make time to do the things that lead to a rich and fulfilling life.

Get 2011 off to a great start. Bring Mark in to speak live to your organization. You’ll get more than a powerful speech – you’ll get a competitive advantage. Call Dannielle at 1-303-683-0714

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How to Spend Your Time This Holiday Season
By Mark Sanborn

Now that you have some ideas for how to make time for important things, here are some things to make time for this Holiday Season:

Giving. No matter how much or how little we have, we can give something to lighten the burden of another.

Thanking. Gratitude expressed increases. Thank those who have helped and supported you.

Thinking. Good thinking is harder than it seems. Think about what is truly important in your life. Think about what you want to accomplish with your days, not just how busy you are.

Celebrating. The holidays are a season of joy for all of us, regardless of our faith or beliefs. It is so easy to focus on what’s wrong with the world, why not make time this season focusing on what’s right?

Improving. What can you make better in the coming year? What skills would you like to learn or improve?

Playing. Recreation done right renews and re-invigorates. When was the last time you indulged in frivolous fun?

Relating. Don’t become so caught up in activity that you miss the chance to deepen relationships. Spend quality and quantity time with the important people in your life. What your loved ones want from you this season isn’t a present, but your presence.

Resting. Research says that many of us are sleep deprived. It is hard to maintain passion for life when one if physically burned out. Make time to rest and recharge.