16 things to STOP doing in '16

The next two things to stop doing are related to how we look at and use time. 

Time is an interesting concept; a measurable unit, a continuum and our perception of it can vary depending on the day, and what we are engaged in. The more we have to do, the faster it goes, and the more we slow down, the more it slows. We live in this tick-tock space and in a constant dichotomy; stay in the moment, in order to make the most of your future. Many people are in a tug-of-war between living in the past and planning for the future, while the time of your life is happening now.

Stop thinking you have unlimited time. Really, take a minute right now and ponder this. What does that mean to you? What are you waiting for? If you are waiting for the right time, free time, quiet time- you are wasting time. Meanwhile the small, consistent steps and the mastery of the seconds and minutes that add up to your days and years and life are clicking by.  This does not have to be a catalyst for quitting your job to sail the world. Ahoy, if that is your thing, but time wizardry comes down to knowing what you value, and ensuring that you spend some of your time, each and every day, in commitment to those very things. 

THERE'S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

Stop thinking everything is a race, unless of course the movie has ended and the oil drum of pop has been emptied, then by all means, race like your life depends on it! But the day in, day out race to nowhere is robbing you of joy and power in the moment. People seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere; some imaginary or even actual destination. A place where things are better or different or easier. Present time is treated like a block or a hurdle to get over on our way to this land of Narnia. Your future is happening now, designed and plotted by the the choices and actions you take today. 

How: To become a time wizard, master of the minute, present moment manipulator, start choosing activities that are high value activities, more than you choose low value activities. If there is a should or have to or it has always been done that way, attached to your use of time – re-evaluate. Understand what you want to create in the future, what you want to feel and experience, and use that to guide choices, actions and engagement here and now. Think of time as your art. If I was to look at how you spend time, what would I know about you? Could I see how you feel about yourself? Who you love? Could I see your purpose and your life, in your art? Could I see what you want to experience more of in the future? If you are willing to be revolutionary, you will begin to create the space to live your life, in the present, instead of thinking of time as a thing to overcome or conquer on the way to a better time.