6. Say “no”. We often cause our own time problems because we cannot say no to requests. It is understandable that you want to help people but why are you willing to sacrifice your own well being by being over committed? If a request is going to leave you feeling resentful, angry, or taken advantage of, definitely say “no”. You will feel a huge sense of relief.

7. Get rid of commitments. We often make commitments that don't really add value to our goals, our vision, or our lives. If you want to create more time in your life you have to start being very selective about activities in which you participate. Really look at your current commitments and ask yourself, “Is this how I want to spend my time? Does it make me feel good? Does it help me move closer to my goals?”

8. Slow down. Rushing has become a way of life for most of us. Even when we don’t have to rush we still do. Have you ever asked yourself, why am I rushing? Only to discover that there was no reason at all. When you rush around you are not present in your surroundings, you are often distracted and frazzled, which will cause you to make mistakes and take up even more of your time. Become aware of this adrenaline rushed feeling and make a conscious decision to slow down. Slow your walk, slow down your speech, take a deep breath, and do what it takes to mentally and physically slow down.

9. Under promise and over deliver. We have all heard this phrase but do we actually do it? Part of our time pressure is caused by over promising when we don't have to. Give yourself more time to complete a project then you think you will need and deliver it early. Your days will not feel as frantic, you will be getting your energy from positive sources, you will do a better job, which helps create your problem free zone, and you will feel good about your accomplishments. This is a win/ win for everyone.

10. Really understand that you control your time, not other way around. Most of us feel like we are victims to time when in reality you control your time and how you utilize it. Start utilizing it to your advantage by having it work for you.

Hopefully this has provided you with some ideas on creating more time and using time to create a more fulfilling and enriched life. Remember that you control your time, your space, your life, and that it is your responsibility to create it on your own terms.

Coaches also consider what is unique about you, and collaborate with you to choose tools and ideas that fit you as an individual. Although past is valued for light it can shed on present-day choices, coaching focuses on taking action now to improve your present and future.

Combinations of More Than One Approach

If your situation calls for more than one approach, you may be able to find a person who offers both. For example, a number of licensed therapists have completed coach training programs and can offer both counseling and coaching to their clients. Alternatively, you can work with two people -- a coach and a therapist -- at same time; in this case, however, make sure that both are aware of your choice and that each is comfortable with role of other.

There are also situations in which you might benefit from both coaching and consulting -- for example, if you are starting a business, looking for a job, or restructuring your financial plans. Some coaches have backgrounds that qualify them to give consulting advice in such situations. Even with these credentials, however, good coach/consultants will clarify difference between each approach, and will alert you when they are switching from one to other.

Copyright (c) 2004 Ruth Anderson