3 Mistakes That Keep You From Using Your Leisure Time Well
Far too many of us waste our leisure time.
We keep making 3 mistakes. I know I do. Yet, solving them unlocks the key to living a rich and fulfilling life.
So, let’s stop making these 3 mistakes and start living life well.
Mistake #1: Thinking free time means fun.
Many people confuse leisure with fun.
But leisure means free time. Within the context of the three buckets, it’s when you’re not sleeping or working. It includes fun and so much more.
We can divide our lives into 9 domains:
- BODY: Your physical health and vitality
- MIND: Your mental and emotional health and intellect
- SPIRIT: Your connection to something greater
- LOVE: Your most significant relationship
- FAMILY: Those closest to your heart
- COMMUNITY: The friendships and groups you belong to
- MONEY: Your financial outlook
- WORK: Your professional aspirations
- HOBBIES: The fun that rejuvenates you
Let’s combine these domains with the three buckets.
- Bucket 1: Sleep is an essential part of the 1st domain. It gives us energy for the other two buckets.
- Bucket 2: Work includes the 7th and 8th domain. Work provides structure to your day and money pays for what you do in the third bucket.
- Bucket 3: Leisure is often equated to the 9th domain. But the remaining six domains need to fit in here too. This includes all the 1st domain except for sleep.
These domains and buckets provide the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Mistake #2: Losing touch with what matters most
Trying to fit those life domains into the third bucket is overwhelming.
If we’re not careful, we can get distracted and become inactive, avoidant or impulsive. Our values reconnect us with what matters most. These chosen life directions have no end point.
Like a compass, they guide us, give us direction, and keep us on track.
Mistake #3: Not being intentional
Are you surviving or thriving?
You’re meant to design your life, not drift through it. Armed with the life domains and your values, you’re now ready to take action. Divide your time into your obligations, chores, recreational activities and hobbies.
- Prioritise your obligations.
- Manage your chores.
- Indulge in recreation.
- Pursue your hobbies.
Then keep showing up — you’ve got this.