Finding Personal Time in a Busy Professional World

In his popular Medium article, 5-Hour Rule: If you’re not spending 5 hours per week learning, you’re being irresponsible, Michael Simmons challenges readers with a thought-provoking title and the facts to back it up.  Simmons has a valid point: if some of the world’s busiest and most successful leaders can make time to read, learn and grow, there must be a way each of us can squeeze a few extra minutes in the day to better ourselves.

Dedicating consistent time towards learning has immediate and long term benefits. Research drives home the importance of taking in new information, whether through reading, active listening or with the help of hands-on activities.

Do you have daily and weekly routines in place to help foster your growth and keep your mind strong?

Here is some inspiration to put things into motion (I’m taking my own advice!):

It Starts in Your Dreams

Are you serious about getting adequate rest? If you have a Fitbit or smart device, take a look at the Sleep Insights section of the app. Even without a tracker, keeping a sleep log, and sticking to a healthy bedtime routine, is a worthy goal. If you’re dragging into the office or relying on an extra shot of espresso in your morning brew, you may be selling yourself short of a better quality of life. You need healthy energy to focus on new information and endeavors.

Review Your Calendar

Taking inventory of how you are spending your time can be quite beneficial. Are there commitments that are no longer serving you? Perhaps it has felt easier to continue to show up rather than have an uncomfortable conversation (we’ve all been there).

Brene Brown says it best: “When we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation.”

Though it may feel selfish, blocking off time for yourself is anything but. Being able to contribute better ideas and feeling more authentically present when you re-emerge are two benefits.

Learn Your Own Way

After you have set aside a few minutes for yourself to feed your intellect, customize the experience to suit your learning style. For instance, aural learners may find more benefit in audiobooks, kinesthetic learners often prefer hands-on workshops, and verbal learners may gravitate towards book clubs. If you are unsure of your dominant learning style, take advantage of one of the free tests available online.

Jump In and Learn

Depending on your learning style, treat yourself to a bevy of books, a crisp journal and beautiful pen, a new set of headphones or whatever else may help increase your interest in your daily practice of self-improvement. Program reminders of your commitment to learning and then limit distractions as you dive in.

Optimize Your Brain Power

View food as fuel and plan meals that nourish and delight. Harvard Health breaks down the link between the food you eat and the way you feel. If you are often on the go, refer to my eating habits post for inspiration.
Beyond maintaining a healthy weight and having more energy, mental health benefits may also be linked to a nutritious diet.

Expand Your Circle

Accountability is often a powerful motivator. It can come in multiple forms: an online group with a weekly check-in, a local gathering of entrepreneurs, a business coach or a trusted colleague. Showing up and speaking your truth regarding your goals and progress will bear fruit over time.

Track Your Course

As with any new habit, there is a risk of losing focus. Display a simple log of your progress in a place you’ll see each day. The mini-reward of making a check mark and seeing how far you have come (books read, vocabulary expanded, blog posts published, etc.) is one more incentive to keep going.

You may also like 10 Qualities of a Confident Leader. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.