You Can Find The Time

Last week we talked about finding your WHY which leads you to your HOW so you can find the time to do all these projects you feel you never have the time to do.

I’m writing this post after spending seven of the busiest days I’ve had in years. I’ve started a new project that requires regular work hours outside my home. I’m gearing up to teach at Spraguefest next week (so excited!) and we’re finalizing the details on our new home.

It’s all I can do to make sure I get my 8 hours of sleep each night so I don’t get sick.

However, I’m still finding the time. My photo flow isn’t as regular right now but there are things I want to document and remember and photo scans I need to process. The challenge right now is fitting it in. A typical day at my house starts at 6:30 and runs until 10:30pm. It would seem I didn’t have the time. I’m still finding it – here’s how:

Setting Goals with Deadlines – I have a goal to share my extended family photo scans for Christmas – knowing that there is a time limit and knowing what these photos will mean to my sweet family is probably my biggest motivator to finding the time.

Multi-tasking – our family has a few TV shows we watch on Hulu.com every week – during those times I’m watching TV I will also often be tagging and organizing photos.

Sundays – my favorite day of the week. Our family slows down, Troy does most of the cooking and I often can carve out a couple of hours of photo processing. Again most of this time I am multi-tasking, but being able to make progress on my goals while spending time with my kids and Troy makes me happy.

Honestly the biggest catalyst for me getting things done is setting goals with deadlines. I learned this firsthand preparing for my first supply class on my blog back in 2011. That pending deadline  really pushed me to find the time to get it done!

I also know that sometimes we can make things so much more complicated and bigger than they need to be. Setting things up so you can work on files 20 minutes here and there is an incredible tool for making progress in your digital library.

I also recommend taking just 20 minutes each week and reviewing the work you’ve done. Getting digital files organized is a BIG project. Keep yourself motivated by taking time each week to enjoy the work you’re doing. Search for a photo in the photos you’ve tagged. Find some supplies in your organized stash – you’ll start seeing the difference you are making in your creative process!

According to many proverbs time steals, heals, and flies. I believe that we are boats, anchored to the present moment in time – river water and shore moving past us. We measure our progress by the things we accomplish in the present moment – which is over all too quickly.

Finding the time isn’t just about photo organization – it’s about life and priorities. I challenge you to truly take a step back this weekend – take some time to think about life and your goals and priorities. Align your priorities and then assign time accordingly…

Happy Weekend!