Is Your Time Scarcity Mindset Slowing You Down?

Inner Fire Series Week 4: Time Mastery

Hey Uplifters!

Every day, we are pulled in so many directions. People, commitments, and technology all vie for our attention. It’s no wonder we feel like we don’t have enough time to focus on what matters most. It’s why, as this census data analysis shows, we put such a high value on our time.

Everyone has 24 hours in a day, but most people don't use their time to increase their motivation and energy. This is because they have what I call a Time Scarcity Mindset when what we need to thrive is a Time Abundance Mindset.

Time Scarcity vs. Time Abundance Mindsets:

1. When you have a Time Scarcity Mindset:

   • You feel constantly rushed and stressed about time

   • You feel like you have to multitask to make it through and frequently overcommit

   • You’re on the verge of burnout and wonder how you’re always so behind

   • When someone asks you to do anything extra, you get a sudden hit of anxiety

2. When you have a Time Abundance Mindset:

   • You get to feel like there's enough time for what's truly important

   • You have more focus and presence in the moment

   • You are more creative and productive

   • You have better work-life balance and overall well-being

Wonder if your time mindset is mucking things up?

Here's a little quiz to help you find out!

For each question, choose the option that best describes your thoughts or behavior:

1. When you have free time, you typically:

a) Feel anxious and try to fill it with productive activities

b) Enjoy it and feel relaxed

2. How often do you feel rushed or pressed for time?

a) Frequently

b) Rarely

3. When faced with a new opportunity, your first thought is:

a) "I don't have time for this"

b) "This could be interesting, let's see how I can fit it in"

4. You view your time as:

a) A limited resource that's quickly depleting

b) Abundant and renewable

5. When someone asks for your help, you usually:

a) Feel stressed about fitting it into your schedule

b) Find a way to assist them without worry

6. How often do you multitask?

a) Frequently, to get more done

b) Rarely, preferring to focus on one thing at a time

7. You see your daily schedule as:

a) Overcrowded and overwhelming

b) Flexible and manageable

8. When you're running late, you feel:

a) Extremely anxious and upset

b) Calm, knowing it's not a big deal in the grand scheme

9. You approach deadlines with:

a) Stress and a feeling of constantly racing against the clock

b) Confidence in your ability to manage your time effectively

10. Your attitude towards leisure activities is:

a) They're a waste of time; I should be doing something productive

b) They're essential for balance and enjoyment in life

Scoring:

1. Count the number of "a" and "b" answers.

2. Mostly "a" answers: You tend towards a time scarcity mindset. You often feel rushed and anxious about time, viewing it as a limited resource.

3. Mostly "b" answers: You lean towards a time-abundance mindset. You generally feel relaxed about time and view it as a plentiful resource.

Tips for Shifting Towards a Time Abundance Mindset:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment rather than constantly thinking about what's next.

2. Prioritize: Focus on what's truly important and learn to say no to less critical tasks.

3. Single-tasking: Concentrate on one task at a time instead of multitasking.

4. Time Blocking: Schedule specific blocks of time for different activities, including leisure.

5. Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of saying, "I don't have time," try "It's not a priority right now."

6. Create Buffer Time: Don't schedule things back-to-back; allow breathing room between tasks.

7. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the time you do have and how you're using it.

8. Set Realistic Expectations: Be honest about how long tasks will take and don't overcommit.

9. Embrace Downtime: Recognize that rest and leisure are productive in their own right.

10. Limit Distractions: Reduce time spent on social media or other non-essential activities.

11. Regular Self-reflection: Periodically assess how you're spending your time and if it aligns with your values.

12. Develop Routines: Create efficient habits to free up mental energy for more important decisions.

Adopting a time-abundance mindset is a gradual process. It involves changing deeply ingrained thought patterns and behaviors. Be patient with yourself as you work on this shift. The goal is to feel more in control of your time and ultimately lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Listen to how Kymme Williams Cultivates her Time Abundance Mindset

“The richest man in the world can’t buy more time.”

Kymme Williams, Episode 25

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This is part five of a 10-part series on Burnout.

In part one, you’ll assess your current burnout risk and learn the costs and symptoms of burnout. In part two, you’ll learn a clarifying technique for deciding what to say yes and no to. In part three, you’ll learn an easy trick for boosting your energy. In part four, I share an experiment you can run to understand what’s getting in the way of your progress. Stay tuned for the rest of our series, where we will cover:

• Boundary Boss: Protecting your time from energy vampires

• Stress Detox: Mindfulness, relaxation, and coping skills

• Boundary Buddies: Cultivating encouragement and accountability  

• Doing it is Crushing it: Recognizing progress + self-compassion

• Hotter Every Day: Long-term fire-tending strategies

Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for lots more stories of courageous Uplifters and simple strategies for keeping your inner fire burning hot.

Your Next Uplifter

Our next episode of The Uplifters Podcast is headed your way on Wednesday this week. We are releasing a day early so that you’ll have a chance to listen while you’re getting ready for what will hopefully be a long and relaxing holiday weekend. I can’t wait for you to hear my conversation with the Maysoon Zayid. You’ve never heard an episode like this one. Maysoon is a comedian, best-selling author, Princeton Fellow, and disability advocate. She had the most viewed TEDTalk of 2014 and is the author of Shiny Misfits, a graphic novel published by Scholastic.

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Aransas