Tweet

Reorganize your life

Written by: Leslie Gail

Article Overview: I recently read about this study conducted by Nobel Prize recipient Daniel Kahneman. He believed we would all feel a lot better if we spent our time more wisely. He conducted a diary study with 909 women in Austin, Texas. He asked them to record all the activities they did during the day and then rate how happy they were while doing them. He then had them narrow the list to their least favorite activities. Unfortunately those activities accounted for nearly half of the participants' waking hours. Not surprisingly his advice was fairly simple. He said "Reorganize your life to be in situations that you'd rather continue than stop."

Reorganize your life

I recently read about this study conducted by Nobel Prize recipient Daniel Kahneman. He believed we would all feel a lot better if we spent our time more wisely. He conducted a diary study with 909 women in Austin, Texas. He asked them to record all the activities they did during the day and then rate how happy they were while doing them. He then had them narrow the list to their least favorite activities. Unfortunately those activities accounted for nearly half of the participants' waking hours. Not surprisingly his advice was fairly simple. He said "Reorganize your life to be in situations that you'd rather continue than stop." He mentioned delegating certain chores to other family members, finding alternative ways to get to work if commuting got you down, or simply cutting out activities all together that had become more of an obligation than a pleasure. I offer this same exact advice to my clients all the time. Time is a constant that simply won't change or deviate, but how you spend your time is completely up to you. Once you begin delegating or eliminating things you don't like, you'll have more time for things you love. Your life sometimes feels like it is on autopilot, so unless you consciously make a decision to take control of the steering device every now and then, it will continue to guide itself. This week I would like for each of you to open your eyes and take a closer look at your life and the direction it is taking.

ACTION TIPS FOR THE WEEK:

1. Add in fun If you are committed to reorganizing your life, adding a splash of fun is a good first step. People who report being happiest during the day also report higher levels of overrall satisfaction with their lives. Work, kids, responsibilities, chores and tasks will consume you if you allow it to. Rediscover what you enjoy and start plugging it into your calendar on a daily basis.

2. Delegate or eliminate Look at all the activities that take up the majority of your time. You can also create a time diary to see more clearly how you spend your time. Once you have a clear picture, circle the activities that simply don't bring you much joy anymore. If they still need to get done see if you can delegate them to someone else or possibly hire help. If you can eliminate the activity all together you will free up time for what really brings you happiness.

3. Define your core values When you live your life by what's important to you, you will feel a higher level of satisfaction and joy. Take some time this week to list your 5 core values. Some examples may be compassion, dependability, fitness, humor, health, love, wisdom or simplicity. Then decide whether or not you are incorporating these values on a daily basis. If not, it may be time to make some changes. Make sure your life revolves around what is most sacred to you.

Related Articles
  Time Management in an Instant by Karen Leland and Keith Bailey
  4 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Life
  Divorce Expectations
  Why You Should Change Your Organization's Culture
  Financing the Future: J.P. Morgan Takes Off

Article Tags: austin texas, autopilot, chores, closer look, daily basis, diary, family members, look at your life, nbsp, nobel prize, obligation, participants, pleasure, recipient, satisfaction, time time, waking hours



Related Forum Posts
Re: Just a simple comparison & contrast of our truths in crisis. - Hi, that's a great point. I used to think my life wasn't that exciting or good and these days billionaires are killing themselves because of the market crash thinking a million is not enough! Before you start thinking about your life, look around you. Think how many people would love to have the life your living. A lot of us here may not be millionaires or billionaires, but at least we are fortunate enough to live under a roof and feed ourselves each day, and being able to afford internet. If you thought it was bad here with the economy, think of other 3rd world countries. Enjoy the life your giving, because in the next life you might not be so lucky!
Re: what brings tears to Your eyes ???? - Hi Barry Being able to make a difference in a life, whether it is a human life or an animals life I think gives one a wonderful feeling of gratitude. Gratitude of being in a position to help and that what you do is actually going to make a difference is definitely enough to bring tears to your eyes. MichelleJ
Re: Time-Management Success Story! - Hi David, Congratulation on spending your time so well. Time is life, the moment you waste it you waste your life. Every man rich or poor is giving 24 hours in a day. The way we spend it will determine where we get to in life. We can leverage our time also by outsourcing our task to other people
Good news for women - I am looking for some assistance for my best friend of who is in her thirties. Martha has been my friend ever since we were in school. We have been through thick and thin in life. I am a homemaker while she chose to become a working mother. Now after all these years I feel sorry for her, as she has taken upon herself many responsibilities at home and work. She is very over-worked, looking after the home, husband, kids, job and all the demands that come with life. I want to help her find her own self worth and live a life she can love! Is there any way out?
BEFORE YOU DO! - Hi forum, I read a book recently which has really made my days as an entrepreneur. The book was just released to the market and written by Bishop T.D. Jakes with the title: "BEFORE YOU DO". It taught me about decision on everything business, life, finances e.t.c. I found this book so timely and a good read for anyone who want to forge ahead in business and life. If I may ask, how are you deeply taking your decison on every investment, life and others? Every decision you made points to a direction at which your life and business will go.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

How do you keep it together on a daily basis?

What Aweber Can Do For Your Online Business

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.