Peace of mind for five minutes

Do you still remember when life was simple? There were no possibilities to follow all the time what was happening in the world. Phones were used for talking and nothing else. And well, you know how it is now. Distractions here and distractions there. It's hard to concentrate on one thing at a time.

I don't know how simple it was in reality, but it seems like it was easier to control everything with not so much information available 24/7. I'm ready to return to the days before social media and smart phones. They are distracting me way too much. The only problem is, that there is no returning back.

Maybe the problem is, that I'm not able to control my use of time. So, the solution is in my hands.

My problem is, that I could easily go through my day without accomplishing nearly anything. To do a little bit of this and that. Starting many things and not finishing anything. There is always a distraction coming when I'm finally focused on something. It doesn't help that I wake up a lot of times every night (kids, you know.) Anyhow, I usually get things done. Another thing is, how good the outcome is. It would be fun not to only do the minimum to "survive". I'd rather do something that I could be proud of.

It's very easy to spend time on things, that aren't really important. For me it can be for example to take a quick look at the Facebook newsfeed. Suddenly "the quick look" can take at least thirty minutes. And was it useful? Usually not. Every time the useless distractions make my mind wander away from the things that are truly important and uplifting. The ones taking me towards my goals, the things I dream of.

No wonder why there are courses on how to control time more effectively. If it would be easy, everyone could their time with no effort. I know myself, that I have to work on this thing and become the master of timekeeping.

I find it helpful to think, that my day consists of three parts. The first part is when I take the kids to daycare and travel to work and work for certain hours. The next part is when I travel back and pick up the kids and then it's familytime until the go to bed. After that starts the last part of the day (when almost all my energy is used). Then it's time for housework and relaxing.

I don't need five minutes of fame. What I need is five minutes of peace.

What helps in scheduling your day?

1. Not checking your phone too often.
It's useless to do all the time, especially when you know there is nothing, that needs your urgent attention.

2. Taking certain moments in the day to do specific things.
Being organized and concentrating on things. I wish it would be easy.

3. Focusing on one thing at a time
Trying to do many things doesn't make you effective. Usually the result is not too good.

4. Dividing your day in pieces.
Daily routines and concentrating on living in the moment. You can only do the things you have in front of you, not reach to the things ahead.

5. Removing things that create distractions
Sometimes the emails and phonecalls can wait, when you need to concentrate on something.

6. Cleaning the inbox
If you don't clean the inbox regularly and archive emails, it's going to be a great mess. And it's impossible to find the things you are looking for.