Time Management Helps You Save More Money

I was determined not to let either a cold or the flu catch up with me. I simply didn’t have time to be sick (smile). But, it got me anyway!

Flu and cold season had arrived in full force. I had done my best to nurse my husband back to health (including chicken soup,) and he was beginning to perk up again.

Since ‘prevention is the best policy,’ I’d been using my handy-dandy alcohol pads to swab the high-traffic areas that attract germs in the home. You know those spots I’m talking about, don’t you? The door knobs, kitchen cabinets, refrigerator handles, computer keyboards? You name them — I’d been wiping them down for the past two weeks.

So, naturally I was pulled up short when, after spending all that time sterilizing my home, I began to feel The Symptoms coming on. No, not the scratchy throat, fever and runny nose kind of symptoms.

You see, when I’m getting sick, I receive a 24-hour-notice-kind-of-symptom. It’s a strange combination of fatigue — and hyperactivity. Strange indeed, but it has been a very reliable source of warning all these years. This warning is always right-on, even if I can’t explain it!

It’s like my Manufacturer is giving me a heads-up. “Hey, you’re going to be sick as a dog — and you’ve only got 24 hours to get your work done.” So, I have one entire day ‘before’ I’m hit with a fever or whatever is trying to catch up with me.

That’s my *cue* — which means I had best decide quickly which tasks are truly important. The rest of the tasks won’t be getting done anytime soon. And at this point, I actually go through a mental checklist of things I must do.

But, you know what? Because I know my time and energy are so limited at that point, it’s actually quite easy to decide which projects are most important.

That’s right. It boils down to a really simple question:

“What *one* thing can I do that will create the biggest impact — until I can move forward with the next project?”

And, for that moment, that’s the only thing I need to accomplish.

My time is much better spent doing those tasks or projects that create the biggest impact for me, whether I’m totally healthy, or not feeling so great.

For those of us who focus on saving and tucking away our money, the same would apply.

“Which one thing can I do today to create the biggest impact on saving my money?”

When you’re feeling tired, stressed, ill or even frustrated, ask yourself that simple question. Quieten the whirlwind of thoughts dancing around in your head. Listen, and you’ll know exactly what it is you can do.

Your answer will arrive, showing you a perfect, high-impact activity to help you save your money.

Remember to apply this in good times, as well as the not-so-good. Go ahead. Give it a try today!

© 2005 Darlene Arechederra

Darlene Arechederra is the creator of “Goodbye Boss, Hello Kids! — A Mom’s Guide to Coming Home From The Workplace.”  Moms who have considered returning home will enjoy her FREE Report, “5 Secrets to Coming Home” at http://www.AffordToStayHome.com/5secrets.html
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