Time is Not Created Equal
Funny, how many things I can find to do rather than sit down and write my blog. Does that ever happen to you? Maybe it’s not procrastination. Maybe it’s a time-state mismatch.
Throughout the day, your energy and focus levels naturally fluctuate through 4 identifiable states. You can control some of the factors that influence the duration and frequency of these Time States (the 5 Non-Negotiables, for example), but you cannot “make yourself” achieve or sustain the higher Time States simply because you’ve got a deadline or specific schedule.
| Time-State | Characterized by… | Best used for… |
| A-Time | …intense creativity and the perception of warped time; aka Flow State. | …highest priority mind-work, problem-solving, project development, creative expression. |
| B-Time | …strong productivity. | …cranking through tasks, email, meetings, To-Do list. |
| C-Time | …low mind engagement but still physically engaged. | …exercise, house work, socializing. |
| D-Time | …low physical and mental engagement, heading toward exhaustion. | …activities that consciously restore mind and body; aka Me-Time. |
Ride the Time States like a wave for maximum productivity and creativity. Here are 2 key strategies for maximizing Time States:
- Don’t waste higher Time States on lower activities.
Reserve your A- and B-Times for your highest priorities. For example, if mornings are your A-time, get to work early and schedule your workout and social time for later in the day. Vice-versa if your natural rhythms tend toward Night Owl.
- Don’t force higher activities into lower Time States.
When A-Time has subsided, staring at your computer won’t bring it back. Rather than forcing out subpar work you’ll end up re-doing anyway, move on to a Time-State appropriate activity.
Recognize your natural rhythms: for the next 3 – 5 days, make a written record of your Time States. This accomplishes two things: you will objectively determine your natural rhythms and schedule accordingly, and you will gain the habit of noticing your Time State.
Once I dedicated A-Time to my blog, I got ‘er done! Now I’m free to enjoy some quality Me-time later today.
So, notice your time-surfing today. Are you hanging ten, or are you getting rag-dolled by time?
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