The Time Diet

By Diana Long 

Almost everyone I know has been on a diet in their life. Foods of all kinds, especially sweets and fast foods, abound sometimes making it tricky to eat simply and healthy.

I venture to say that this is also true with our relationship with Time. Do you use your precious time by "filling" up on meaningless information such as the latest goings on with Lindsey Lohan? It's almost impossible to have your TV on and not get sucked into it! We take in lots of information that is absolutely useless to us! I bet you know more than a few commercial products and their "jingles".

Here's a great idea that will take you from saying "I don't have enough time!" to "I've got plenty of time to accomplish my goals and dreams!" Here's what to do. Starting today, go on a "Time Diet" with the intention that you will cut out all those "empty calories" that are filling up your day and your mind space with clutter.

3 Quick Time Tips to Have More Time

1.Limit TV viewing, seriously, how many hours a day do you watch especially programs that you truly don't have an interest in? Tip: Get a Tivo and only record programs that you value and enjoy. Skip the rest.  

2.Dramatically limit your news intake. Not to step on anyone’s toes here but I can think of 3 people I know who are addicted to a particular news channel. They have it on as background all day long. How many times does one need to hear the same newsflash multiple times throughout our day? Plus, the news is generally very negative. Not so great for our mental health... Be informed, but be very discerning!  

3.Limit excess information. Alot of business owners I know (I have done this too) feel that they have so much that they want and need to learn to upgrade their businesses and increase revenue that they sign up for every e-newsletter and Tele-Class that they hear about. Tip: Simplify your life and give yourself LOTS more wiggle room by being more focused. Decide what your main learning objectives are and stick with them! Picking 1 or 2 areas to learn more about (eg. marketing and sales) is plenty for right now!

With these simple tips in place, you'll find you've got more space in your day. This is a good thing. Use this new abundance of time focusing on what gives you a great return on your investment. Now you do have time to have lunch with a good friend or update your old web site. Yes, it's true; you can enjoy your life and accomplish your goals. It's so much easier when following the Time Diet!