Over time we develop routines to deal with most household chores, and other activities such as cooking meals, travelling and hobbies. This article suggests that we have good reason to congratulate ourselves for this, whilst recognsising that only marginal changes would bring significant savings in the time devoted to them.
Much of this has become a habit - based upon what we have got used to suiting our needs. However habits are...... well habits, and we tend not to concern ourselves about whether they remain as suitable as they once did.
The majority of people give little regard to time management, except perhaps when at work. Our working life can be highly demanding and we prefer to relax away from that atmosphere. Home and family life tends to be a carried on in a much more relaxed attitude to how time is spent and organised in a much more haphazard way.
As time passes we become content with our routines giving little regard to whether they might be improved. We often follow them even when other things change and they gradually work less well. Much of this is a result of the way different people in a household live together and need and want to know that others will behave and do things as expected.
Furthermore, to be overly concerned about how each waking moment is used would be to invite stress and is a dangerous attitude and state of mind.
But - and this is key - this attitude means that we only manage time well up to a point. Accepting this works in our favour - and against us. Our habits allow us to function without having to think through what is required each time, but unthinking acceptance of the status quo can be like dragging an anchor.
Life does not stand still. Our routines should change accordingly. The phrase "old habits die hard" speaks volumes for an attitude that does not embrace change .... leading to stagnation and failure. The only way to make progress is to closely examine our habitual routines periodically and then unpick those that do not serve us well. Encouragingly, changing out-dated practices can often save significant and disproportionate amounts of time.
To illustrate the point, let us suppose that you run your own business and work and travel takes 10 hours a day. Improvement could save one hour every day. That is a 10% saving. But that saving is worth so much more. If other commitments leave you only 2 hours of free time each day, then that extra hour gives you 50% extra free time. The same principle applies to saving 10% of the time on home-based tasks each week.
If we cope reasonable well with little onsideration, think how much more could be achieved with real conscious effort to make best use of our time. Ambitions are often achieved by utilising marginal time.
So, what is there to celebrate in this? Firstly, by forming what were once good habits demonstrates that almost all of us can manage time effectively - if only up to a point. Secondly, we should be gladdened to know that marginal improvement can have enormous impact. Lastly this method can be applied anywhere - seeking gains from examining and adapting established routines works well in any situation.
Nicotine nasal spray is what most past smokers used to stop smoking. You can get nicotine nasal sprays and nicotine inhalers through your doctor by prescription. The spray delivers an instant burst of nicotine to the system. The inhaler gives users an experience somewhat like smoking. It helps to wean you from your bad habits.
Chantrix, or varenicline, is a newer medication for those who wish to quit smoking. It eases withdrawal symptoms and makes smoking less pleasurable afterwards. It has been shown to be even more effective than Zyban. It also has been show to help with alcohol addiction. This is helpful since many people drink and smoke in the same situations.
The Breaking of bad habits
Cursing is one of those bad habits that can start at an early age. You may curse so much that you are unaware that you are doing it much of the time. The first thing to do is to pay attention. Whenever you say inappropriate words, put money in a jar. Even if it is your coffee money, put it in there. Also, you might want to think about anger management classes if your cursing is done in a hostile way.
Another one of these bad habits is name dropping. Again, you may be insecure. Most people will not take it in a friendly way. Try to tell your same stories but without the names to stop yourself from doing this. You might say, "My friend Brad" instead of "my friend Brad Pitt," or something like that.
Gossips are notorious for starting trouble in any group to which they belong. These people often find their lives so boring that they cannot find anything else to talk about. Their only topic of discussion is other people's business. These people can break this bad habit by finding new interests to think and therefore talk about.
The avoiding of bad habits
There are certain bad habits that you can avoid altogether. Your body has no need for nicotine or tar from cigarettes. So, if you do not take that first cigarette, you will never have to face the daunting task of giving them up. It is well worth any social discomfort you might feel to dodge that bullet.
Not exercising is another of the bad habits that will make you gain weight. You may know that you need to get up and move around. You may have every intention to do so. The energy does not seem to be there when you need it. To avoid this bad habit, start slowly. What you may not realize is that the energy will increase as your exercise increases.
Many bad habits can be avoided if you will only consider the needs of yourself and of others equally. Putting yourself first at all times makes you selfish and hard to abide. Putting others first all the time just makes you a doormat.
Both Brian Hazell & Tengetile Mhlanga are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Brian Hazell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Time Management Skills, Stress Management and Time Management Skills. Brian Hazell MSc (Internal Audit and Management) was responsible for auditing strategic and business planning within a UK Government Dept and has founded and managed successful legal and financial businesses in the UK. As author of Time and Tasks Manage. Brian Hazell's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Tengetile Mhlanga has sinced written about articles on various topics from Time Management Skills. More information, guidelines plus reviews can be accessed by visiting the following link: .. Tengetile Mhlanga's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.