What Works: 5 Ways to Weaponize Your Hours This Thanksgiving

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is this week! Is it just me, or has this year flown by? Time flies when you are having fun. But it also flies when its hectic, when there’s too much to do, and when you are distracted from your primary mission.

In today’s article, I’m going to tell you how you can weaponize your hours to get more done. If you are a video person, you can watch me explain it below or here on Youtube.

Thanksgiving is a great test case for being intentional with time. It’s a time when everyone is scrambling. Emergency trips to the store, intense work to finish a week’s worth in two days, pick your 1000 mph moment and its present during the holiday season. Here’s are five steps you can take to make the most out of your time.

Step One: Mission
A general doesn’t put his battalion on the battle field unless there’s a mission. What is your mission today? Choose no more than three things to accomplish today. Then, choose ONE to get going on. I’m serious, just one. A long list is really intimidating and sometimes demotivating. Take that long list, pick your three most mission critical activities, then choose ONE to get started on.

Step Two: Motivation
It’s time to GO. So choose a GO word, like a SWAT Team, to activate yourself. That word can be anything which moves you forward. My word today was ACTIVATE, because I wanted to activate to record my video, write this column, and do my Monday morning social media. What’s your word?

Step Three: Blocking
Block distraction. People are going to want, and occasionally demand your time. I want to challenge you to stop letting other people determine your priorities. You need a holding statement for this. I know a successful author who only checks her email twice a day. She puts this information in her autoresponder. Whatever way you need to guard your time, do it! Your hours are precious. When you have chosen to focus on someone, they will know they have your full attention. Put down the phone. Stop the multi-tasking. You’ll see the difference it will make.

Step Four: Celebration
As you get things done, celebrate. You deserve it! You deserve to pat yourself on the back. Completing something is no small feat. You will train yourself to desire that positive reinforcement. You become your own powerhouse of affirmation and validation. As humans, we all want to have that validation. Give yourself the gift of your own gratitude. Because you are awesome!

Step Five: Reloading
Did you accomplish your three? Great! Choose another three and start with the most important one. Move intentionally through your projects, motivate, block, and celebrate. Get into a pattern with this!

A Warning! Take breaks. You aren’t meant to be a machine. You are still human. Take breaks. Feed yourself. Water yourself. Take time for loved ones. Being weaponized non-stop may work for a bit. But it can also lead to burn out. Do not neglect those who love and support you. That’s the main benefit of being intentional with your work time. You get to spend more time with them!

Now get out there and shine your light!

GET INSPIRED
Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment) – Resumes two weeks after Thanksgiving.

Motivation Yoga with Allie Reitz at Adams Hub for Innovation at noon each Monday in The Studio. Choose your price yoga. (Resumes after Thanksgiving) www.communityyogi.com.

Dec. 13, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.

January 19, 2018: Diane Dye Hansen’s 3rd Annual Visions and Intentions Workshop – Vision Boards, Live Group Coaching, and Intention Setting for 2018 - Cost $20 – Learn more and purchase tickets - https://www.facebook.com/events/208299373045682/

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.