While preparing for the release of my first book, Reaching for the Moon and the Stars: The Legacy and Influence of the Apollo Generation, just like many people, I’ve also been balancing family obligations, previous commitments and future business planning.

Dinner has to be prepared (I usually cook at home most nights), dishes need to be done, laundry to be conquered, plenty of piles to be purged, groceries to be bought, gas to be put into the car, band-aids put on, wine tasting Tweetups to attend, and Social Media training classes to plan.

It’s all a matter of balancing, focusing, and making the best use of your time (The first secret? Never watch television). It’s also taking a step back and figuring out what you do best and where you need additional support and help.

Focus 5 Minutes at a Time
Another tip: Break things down to 5 minutes chunks at a time, whenever possible (that’s the second secret: Focus on One Thing, 5 Minutes). It may take some practice to focus — what you’ll need to do is to put on the blinders, get the earplugs, and just try to tune everything else out, except for what you’re working on.

What Are You Spending Your Time On?
Also, (you might not like this one): Take an honest look at your time and where you’re spending most of it. Are you addicted to the latest Spy-Mafia Master of the Time-Wasters game of the week? Or taking quizzes on what kind of “pop star sushi blender drink” you most resemble? (That’s the next secret, don’t get hooked on those fun & games apps).

Mind Games
I know if I bring up this topic, I run the risk of getting some people really fired up because they’ll say it’s a way to “unwind or relax or de-stress or reward’ themselves for working so hard, or a great way to find out something new about their friends or to deepen their online relationships with their business associates (huh?) by taking those quirky surveys and winning those 10,000 points. OK, that’s fine, if it’s all in balance, time-wise. But if we’re talking about hours and hours, and days and days, on these online games and diversions and it’s taking away time from what you would REALLY like to do, the really meaningful things that are deep-down important, then… it’s an issue.

What DO You REALLY Want to Do?
So, what is it that you REALLY want to do? What do you want to leave behind that people will remember you by, what is your mark on the world?  I know, heavy stuff…

For me, it’s the book that I’m writing. That’s the legacy that I want to leave behind, because I’m writing about the legacy that others are leaving behind. For me, it’s full circle. Balance.

I’m just trying to give you a nudge to discover for yourself what that “deep-down” hidden talent is within you. Maybe your dream is to do a one-handed handstand upside down, while balancing on a stack of wooden chairs, like the acrobat in the picture above. Maybe it’s something else.

The key is, to make the most of your time using Social Media to connect, collaborate, and communicate, rather than to play mind games with yourself or to try to “game” the system.

Yes, there is a time for fun & games… but keep it all in balance. Give yourself some time too, to discover what it is that you REALLY want to do…  Make “one day” be today.

Need Help Figuring It All Out?
Need help finding 5 minutes a day to focus? Are you trying to figure out what exactly your talents are, or not sure how to make the best use of your time on the social networks to connect and collaborate? I’d love to help. Let’s take 5 minutes to collaborate together. Contact me today.

Thanks for taking 5 to read this, I appreciate it.

~Eva Abreu, Plate-spinner (new title courtesy of @mikeconaty) and Social Media Tour Guide
Toll-free 1-877-708-0884
Email: eva {at} evaabreu {dot} com

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