The minutes between the hours doom our endeavors. If you claim to be a seeker of self-realization, then examine where you spend your time. Where your minutes go is where you will see results. A simple exercise is to keep a daily log of how you spend your time during a week.
In preparation for this exercise, predict your time expenditures. Brainstorm a number of categories such as: travel, entertainment, food, socializing, work, housekeeping, daydreaming, sleep, etc. Write down your weekly time estimate for each category. Comparing this with the actual numbers will indicate how observant and/or honest you are regarding your self.
Along with you weekly time estimate, create a diagram of you energy directions. Where your energy and time goes is where your life goes. Diagram your self as a circle with straight arrows (vectors) of energy radiating in different directions (toward different goals). For example:
Now begins the work of creating your daily log. Essentially, you are creating a time expense sheet instead of a financial expense sheet. Hopefully, this will inspire you to create a time budget, as well. At day’s end, review your time expenses and place them in the appropriate category. Create new categories for unpredicted expenses.
Difficulty completing this project uncovers in your personality a major stumbling block to achievement. To overcome this block, try the exercise again. Determine to keep trying until you record a week of data. Do not berate yourself if you fail repeatedly. Muster a dogged, humble determination.
At week’s end, tally up the hours for each category. Now the interesting part begins. Compare the numbers with your claim for a life direction. You may uncover goals of which you were unaware. If you are clever and dishonest, you may rationalize multiple goals into one – such as getting a good-paying job so you can afford to travel and look for spiritual teachers.
If you find too many irons in the fire, then it is time for change. Remember that change is accomplished in little steps or in leaps of inspiration. Do not ignore inspirations, but do not wait for them either. Little steps are always waiting to be taken. Little steps may be shaky, but the cumulative effect is strong. Even inspirations will need steps for reinforcement.