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One of the biggest challenges that I’ve had to
master in my career is an out-of-control calendar.
I learned recently that I suffer from a known
condition. A disorder that is very common to
people-pleasers and over-achievers alike.
I suffer with
Time Optimism
, and
this is a diagnosis that I share
with many of my friends and
colleagues.
Time optimism is a common
condition created by bad
habits. Thehabitsof people
pleasing and forgetting
your boundaries.
Good news! Like any
serious condition that is
caused by bad habits, there
is hope! Admitting that you
are a time optimist is the first
step. There are two important
habits that I’ve embraced to help
me master the time optimism issues.
Allow time between commitments to finish
my tasks
A few years ago, one of my friends suggested
that I pad my appointment times, allowing time
to complete work from each client or meeting
before beginning something new. This idea was
so simple that I was embarrassed that I hadn’t
thought of it before. It made a lot of sense Even
though I was nervous, I gave it a try, blocking 20-
30 minutes after each meeting to complete tasks.
Within a week, I noticed a huge difference. I was
getting more done without feeling overwhelmed.
Blocking a half day per week just for work
I must admit, I felt very nervous about trying
this one. After years of being flexible and
By Beth Caldwell
Do you have the
Time-Optimism Disorder?
SOAR TO SUCCESS
/
A
pril
2017
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Business Acceleration Strategies