Why Do We Waste Time & How to Overcome It

There are 3 simple reasons why we tend to waste time. It maybe one or more of all these reasons as to why time is wasted.
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​1. Poor mindset on time. Individual does not recognize the value of time.
2. Person has not found real meaning or purpose in his or her own life. 
3. Little to no structure throughout day. Not following an organized daily schedule. 

There are a few things you can do to help modify this way of living. First, your perspective on time has to change. Recognize that your time is a costly resource that, once lost, can never be recovered again. What you do with your time today will determine the quality of your life later, so begin placing a premium on your time. 
 
Secondly, make your time more meaningful by identifying those areas of life that you highly value. Some examples could be your family, health, finances, education, and career. Identify the top 3-4 cornerstone values (what is most important to you). Once you've identify the most valuable areas of life, then begin to structure your days around those values. Research has shown that when our lives have more meaning, we are motivated to be more productive and our work performance improves as well.

Now it's time to create daily structure by implementing daily practices that cultivate and support those values you've identified. For example, let's say you place a high value on your health. To support your health, you decide to work out 4 times a week. Through intentional planning, you block out 1-2 hours for your health on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Once you've established this new practice in your daily or weekly schedule, it is time to execute and follow-through with your schedule. 

"Never begin the day, until it is finished on paper."  -Jim Rohn

Next, you must establish boundaries to protect the time you have set aside to invest in your health. That means if some buddies are asking you to hang out with them during your workout time, then you must decide for yourself which is more important...your health or hanging out. Boundaries are essential to protect and manage what matters most to you. Otherwise, you'll end up living a scattered lifestyle, living for people based on what matters most to them, while neglecting your own needs and your future. This kind of haphazard lifestyle will position you to never accomplish anything. Now of course, balance is the key to life. If there's a tragic event that has occurred that requires your presence, use your own judgment and make the necessary adjustments to your schedule accordingly. Overall, protect your time and learn to say "no" when necessary. 
 
Establish daily practices for each core value and commit to following through with all of them. If you mess up a few times, it's okay, just continue forward in executing those daily practices. It may be a little challenging to get going initially, but after 7-10 days, you'll have a nice workflow going, while driving yourself forward to a more productive lifestyle. Before you know it, your daily disciplines will propel you forward to living the life you've always desired. 
 
Recap:

1. Perspective: Change the way you view time. Place a higher value on it.
2. Practice: Make daily choices that will support your values & bring you closer to your goals
3. Protect: Establish boundaries. They protect your time, your goals, and your future.
4. Propel: You accelerate your efforts in achieving your desired results by valuing your time and organizing your days.