The Chanting Typist: Time Is On Your Side

I just finished a really important virtual assistant project yesterday. That's why this post is a day delayed. When I received the call on Friday late afternoon from a new client that had "found" me online, I was thrilled. While I love my clients, tried and true, new ones always pose a unique challenge and fresh opportunity. This one would prove no different. I took it on, rolled up my sleeves and was determined to meet the demand -- I could hear and understood how crucial it was to be able to meet the two-day, weekend deadline. Instantly I knew the challenge wasn't about whether I could perform the task (that was a no-brainer), it was about having time on my side.

Time is not a physical thing, like a ticking clock. Time, rather is all perception. But still we have managed to create hours and minutes and past, present and future notwithstanding the use of perception and memories -- and deadlines.

Einstein said, "Time is an illusion," as well as, "The only reason time exists is so that not everything happens at once."

He also said, "Time is relative."

     And in this case, it would certainly be relative to my own experience. So, when the new client asked whether I could get it done on time, I said, "Yes." The challenge was all relative to my perception and actually creating the time to do it.   I gave myself my own deadline, one that was hours ahead of the client's.

     As I wrapped up the loose ends and prepared the project for delivery, I took care to slowly go through all the details. There was no rush. I was finally done. And I never doubted I could do it. As the last email went through and I received the word "Sent," I gave myself a well deserved pat on the back. Well done. I was 8 hours ahead of the deadline, but right on target for mine.

How did I manage to stay on top of it and not stress over this huge responsibility?  It was these three things:

Focus. Inspiration. Motivation.

By steering my mind in line with these three things, I was able to stay ahead and make time virtually non existent. Yes, I set goals to finish by a certain time and take breaks and have my meals, but I knew that to look at the clock and perceive time as the enemy would never have allowed me to accomplish this task. Rather, I used my motivation to keep me going, my inspiration to make me feel good about what I was doing, and my focus to ward off distraction. Every time I finished a set and looked at the clock (only after it was done), I was surprised to see how fast I had actually worked. I could see that by focusing only on the project itself and diligently applying myself to the work at that moment and not thinking about the outcome, time disappeared. Because it is just an illusion. Time not only stretched itself out to accommodate the completion but it sped up to appear as though I had spent hardly any time on it at all. I can say it certainly didn't feel as though I spent every night until 1 a.m. and starting up again at 7 a.m. I was on a simple mission -- a mission to get the job done.

Looking back now, I see the difference in the outcome when I let stress and frustration lead the project versus calm and tranquility. The first one invites chaos and errors, possibly even failure while the latter invites space, clarity and ease of motion. I realize that when it comes to getting things done, it is always best to first become accepting. In other words, if it looks like a feat, turn it into a challenge. Once you accept the challenge you can focus on what needs to be done. Then, find inspiration in what your doing. Are you helping someone, are you bringing a solution, are you creating positive change? When you work from a place of service and can genuinely see how your efforts improve upon the things or people around, you enjoy what you are doing. Lastly, allow the underlying motivating force be the flame that keeps your desire burning to pursue your endeavors. When you have motivation you are more propelled toward being better and doing more, and it shows up as success.

So the next time you are up against the clock, remember time is only an illusion. Change your perception of time and it will be your ally -- let time be on your side. And don't forget FIM (Focus. Inspiration. Motivation.).