The Chronically Time-Challenged: A Public Service Announcement

Attention, all you poor saps out there who can never seem to find enough time to finish everything! (That's me...I am the poor sap.) I have some good news and some bad news for you.

The bad news is that you're never going to find more time; there are only 24 hours in a day, and that's not going to change anytime soon. The good news is that there are things you can do to make better use of the time you have. Here are a few tips on how to reclaim your life from the tyranny of chronic time-challenge.

Make a list of everything you need or want to do in a day, week, or month. Creating a checklist is an excellent way for empty nesters (like you and me!) to stay organized and ensure nothing important is forgotten while navigating the newfound freedom. By writing out everything you need or want to do in a day, week, or month, you'll have an easier time prioritizing your tasks and focusing on what's most important without getting overwhelmed by all your responsibilities at once.

Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. No matter how intimidating a project may seem at first glance, breaking it down into smaller pieces can make even the most daunting tasks seem much more manageable and enjoyable! By creating manageable deadlines and focusing solely on one part of the puzzle at a time, you will be able to complete whatever task lies ahead and gain valuable insight along the way that could be helpful in future endeavors.

Set aside specific times for specific tasks. Setting aside specific times for particular tasks is an effective way to stay on top of your responsibilities without succumbing to procrastination. Designate certain days or times when these tasks should get done so that they don't linger indefinitely in limbo; this will also provide structure and motivation while ensuring that everything gets done promptly. Finally, try scheduling those particularly tricky tasks when distractions are at their lowest, so they don't take over your life–you'll thank yourself later!

Learn to say no. If you're anything like me, you're constantly saying "yes" to things, even when it's the last thing you want to do. From responding to emails to attending events and taking on volunteer projects, we don't know how to say no. But here's why learning the art of saying no is so important: it allows us to prioritize our time and focus on the things that truly matter.

Outsource when necessary. Are you feeling overwhelmed by your day-to-day tasks? Do you feel like you're doing it all but not getting anywhere? If so, it may be time to outsource. Outsourcing is a great way to free up your time and energy to focus on the things you enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to get help with tasks outside your skillset. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed; there's no shame in admitting that you can't do it all yourself! Hire a dog walker, order take-out, or hire a cleaning service—whatever it takes to free up some extra time in your schedule.

If you find yourself chronically short on time, don't despair! There are plenty of things you can do to make better use of the time you have. Prioritize your tasks, break down big projects into small ones, set specific times for specific tasks, learn to say no, and outsource when necessary. With a little effort, you can regain control of your life from the tyranny of chronic time challenges!