Use a Time Finder to make room for your goals

As you will know by now from the name of my business, Holistic Goal Detectives LTD, I am all about helping you achieve your goals. One of the things I have learnt over the years is that your goals will only be achieved if you schedule them. But how are you going to schedule time for your goals if you are just so busy? That is why, when my life gets busy, I return to the Time Finder worksheet.

Disclaimer: The Time Finder is not my concept, I learnt how to use this tool when I was doing party plan many many years ago. This article just shares with you how I use the worksheet.

The Time Finder, a landscape A4 piece of paper, is a versatile tool. It features a table with the days of the week, and three cells are allocated under each day, which I use to separate mornings, afternoons, and evenings. However, you may have your own unique way of structuring your days, so I intentionally left the rows unlabeled. You might prefer categorising your days by work, appointments, daily habits, or any other method that suits your lifestyle. Please share your approach in the comments, as it could inspire others.

Once you have chosen how you will separate your days, it is time to get into the fun stuff: filling out the Time Finder. 

• First, add any personal appointments you have for the coming week. 
• Do you have any work appointments you need to add in now?
• Add in your morning routine.
• What time do you have lunch?
• Do you regularly exercise?
• Do you meal prep?
• Do you regularly have a date night with your partner?
• What time do you like to go to bed?
• Do you do weekly planning? If so, when do you do it?
• When do you do your self-development?
• Do you or your kids/partner play sports? If this affects your time, add it.
• Quiz Night? Add that in, too.
• Coffee with friends?
• You get the point. If it is something you will do this week, then add it in.

Now, it is time to analyse your activities. Have you forgotten anything? Add that in. Are there any tasks that can be eliminated? Can you rearrange some tasks to increase efficiency and free up some time?

Now, let’s focus on your goal. How much time a week do you need to dedicate to it? Or is there a specific day and time you would like or need to work on a task for your goal? It’s crucial to make room for one to five hours to start with for your goal. Remember, your goals are important, and you need to commit time to them to see results. 

Now, update your planner/diary with the new schedule, including a time slot for you to work on your goal.

Need support turning your goal into a realistic plan?

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