Finding Joy

Did you notice the title of this page? The Joy of Time Management. I know you must be thinking, "yeah...right." But if you'll hang with me just a minute, I'll try to explain.

I was looking for a name that I thought clearly stated the purpose of our blog - time management - and yet didn't scare anyone off with visions of daunting time logs, half-checked to-do lists, or unforgiving routines. Instead of focusing on the how-to (at least in the name), I chose to focus on the end result: JOY.

And the more thought I put into this name, the more fitting it becomes. First, we feel joy when we manage our time wisely. And then, having done so, we give ourselves more time to pursue those things that bring us joy. Whether it's more time with family, time to volunteer, or time to travel, surely each one of us could benefit from a little more joy in our lives.

So before we go any further in our journey - before we start setting goals, making lists, and completing calendars - I need you to do some "joy seeking."


What is it that brings you joy?

What do you enjoy doing?

If the time fairy granted you two more hours today, how would you spend them?

(You're not really going to spend them racking up a few more checks on some to-do list, are you?)

Identifying the sources of joy in your life is an important step toward better time management. Without first naming those things that bring you joy, you can find no purpose, no direction, and no sense in managing your time differently. (Notice I said differently, not better, because better is a comparative term relative to your goal - which is not yet named!)

Look for your joys this week. You'll find them in your heart; not your calendar, your check book, or your to-do list. I hope the quote I've picked for this posting inspires you to return for more.

Unless each day can be looked back upon by an individual as one in which he has had some fun, some joy, some real satisfaction, that day is a loss.

Dwight David Eisenhower