We live in a world that is continually upping the ante for our time and attention. The amount of time in a day hasn’t increased, but the sheer volume of stimuli, information, and distractions that our minds have to filter on a daily basis are growing exponentially by the day. Do you ever feel anxious and overwhelmed by all the things you have to do on a daily basis? Does it ever seem to you as if there aren’t enough hours in the day to finish your To Do list? How often do you feel like you’re wasting time, and unproductive days are becoming way too common in your life?  You are not alone.

Take a minute and imagine how you will feel if your life continues to feel busy and unproductive. For me, it’s not a pleasant feeling. I was reading an article recently about the late actor and musician David Cassidy. Cassidy passed away in 2017, and his final words hit me like a ton of bricks. As Cassidy drew his last breaths, he uttered the phrase, “so much wasted time.” His profound words are a great reminder to us all that our decisions determine our destinies, and how we manage and utilize our time is such an important part of that equation.

Based on the idea that time, attention, and productivity are so important, I felt a strong push to deliver a 3-part series on how we might all make better use of our time. I believe it is important to discuss the signs, symptoms, and side effects of the issue. I also want to leave space for offering up some tools and strategies for getting out of busyness and into more productivity. However, both of the aforementioned topics will have to wait until later.

First, I wanted to create more discussion and awareness around the factors that are eating up our time and attention. To do this, I created an acronym that I will refer to as CRUNCH. If you can relate to feeling like the demands on your time are increasing and your hours are being crunched, then please take a few moments and read on. We are going to see where the time goes!! This is about to get real!!

C

Chores 

This is your work and the time you spend making a living. This also comprises the jobs and tasks you commit to doing around your home

R

Requests 

This includes the things people ask you to do for them like write a reference letter, serve on their committee, participate in that school fund raiser for your child.

U

Unexpected Interruptions

This is a visit by your neighbor, a phone call from the insurance company, or the check engine light appearing on your car’s dashboard.

N

Network Interruptions

These are the computer restarts, system crashes, failed attempts at sending/retrieving/downloading data, and electronic glitches that are synonymous with living in a digital world.

C

Crises

These might be unexpected trips to the ER, tragedies, family relationship issues, house flooding, or a dying pet.

H

Health Habits

This relates to the time we spend caring for our bodies, sleeping, exercising, preparing meals, taking care of our teeth, etc…