Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
So much to do, so little time
The beginning of the skating season (the new year), and the beginning of Qualifying Competition Season (the Fall) are perfect times to work out how to maximize your time.
The start of a brand new season is a great time to make changes in your schedule so that you can make the most of your skating time and find time to do some fun things to keep your life in balance.
The Fall usually means the start of school as well as Qualifying competitions which means. that skaters seem to have less time to devote to practice and preparation at the most important time of the year.
In each 168 hour week, athletes have to pack in school, homework, school activities, skating practice, off-ice, dance, conditioning, mental game sessions, and doing things with friends and family.
Here is one effective exercise you can do to to help you get everything done and have the time and energy to skate great too!
Your mantra will go from, “I don’t have enough time,” to “I have time”
Changing your mindset starts with a simple exercise. I call it the 168 hour Challenge.
Why? because it was a challenge for me to get started. Yes, I am human too, I know what it’s like to procrastinate and protest even when I know something will make life easier for me.
I also know what it’s like to finally do something and reap the benefits when I come out the other side.
This is what makes me qualified to recommend that you do this exercise too if you want to be able to do more of the things that are important to you that you are missing now. Friends and events.
We all have 168 hours each week to use or waste as we choose. The problem is, most of the time we don’t use our power of choice. We go through our day in “default” mode. One activity after another without thought.
Stop being so stressed, take control of your time! All you need 15-30 minutes to fill out your current schedule on a spreadsheet (download it here).
I challenge you to do this now and revise it every time there is a big change in your schedule (fall, summer, or school semesters).
Print out the form or if you to do it online, email me and I’ll send you an excel or google sheet doc.
When you block out time, you don’t need to be precise.
You won’t need to use this calendar daily. It’s just a tool that makes it easier for you to see how you currently spend your time, and helps you make choices and changes.
As a rule, be more general rather than specific:
If you are at the rink 5 hours, with breaks off the ice, just block out the whole 5 hours.
You can always get more detailed later if you find you need to.
1) Block out times slots that must be. (Non-negotiable times)
Sleep time
School or work
Skating
Lessons
Driving time
2) Block out activities with flexible time slots:
Lessons
Meals
Chores
Homework
3) Does the amount of time spent in an activity match its level of importance to you?
Here are some questions to help you decide:
Do I want to do it?
What is the purpose?
Why do I do it? (it’s fun, I love it, it helps my goal, it is required)
Is it worth it?
Do I want to continue doing it?
4) ) Adjust or erase activities in your 168 calendar based on your answers to #3.
5) Make a Wish List of things you want to have time for
Social time with friends and family
Video or Game time
Hobbies
Reading
Art
Learn a language
6) Look at the white space you have left on your 168 hour calendar.
Add activities from your wish list.
You can do this by blocking out time for “freedom.” For example, on Friday night from 4-9 you have a free block of time.
Be creative and craft a life you love and that serves you.
You are in control of your time.
Things that you thought were time wasters can be deleted or kept.
You may be surprised at your change in attitude. The same activities you resented for taking up your time before doing this exercise might become things you enjoy doing because you have chosen to do them.
Shoot me an email or write in the comments about your 168 hour challenge so we can cheer you on!
If you would like to read more about changing your mindset towards time, check out this book: 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam.