How do you do it? Whether you are single or have 4 kids, I know most people struggle to find time to do all the things they want to do (or things they feel like they should do).

I have tried making lists on paper, on my computer, on my phone. I have tried calendar alerts. Etc, etc. I still can’t seem to manage to get it all done. Sometimes I get so caught up in what I am doing with Will or other things that crop up that I find that need doing that I forget about the original list and ignore alerts.

Now that I see red flags popping up all over the place I am pained to take action. My red flags include heaps of undone tasks, body sore and tight, grumpy, dissatisfaction and depression, distorted thinking. Then are outside influencers waving red flags. There is my partner voicing concerns, companies I owe money reminding me of delinquency, friends drifting away.

In reflecting on this issue and everything that relates to it I have come to think that I can do the following:

1) Cut out the unimportant. Using the 80/20 principle (“roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes”). Determine what 20% of things I do account for 80% of the effects in my life. Keep noticing the 20% and do those first! When I find myself straying, remind myself to get back on the path of that fertile 20%. If I want to gain more perspective on this and be inspired about a host of other life changing and fun things to do, then re-read Timothy Ferriss’ book The Four Hour Work Week. Then, do as Tim says. It won’t happen magically. Give it a try.

2) Make (and KEEP) plans and goals. Make time to revise plans in a weekly reflection period. This reflection time will also give me the opportunity to look over what I have accomplished in the week and what needs changing.

3) Dreamline. Another gem I learned from Tim but have not had the guts to try out fully. I love this idea though. Its a super simple way to figure out how to achieve what you want. DO IT! DO IT TONIGHT!

… well, Will is waking from his nap so I must shift back to him.

I would love to hear how other people find time to do things. Let me know!