I purchased a $2,000 Time Management Course

And now it's collecting dust bunnies on the digital shelf

Photo by Iván Díaz on Unsplash

It started innocently enough. A targeted ad popped up on my screen, promising the holy grail of productivity: “Master Your Time, Master Your Life.” As a chronic procrastinator with a tendency for overcommitting, I was intrigued.

The course’s sales page was a masterclass in persuasive copywriting. It painted a vivid picture of a future me who was effortlessly organized, calmly efficient, and perpetually ahead of schedule. I envisioned myself breezing through my to-do list, hitting deadlines with ease, and still having time for hobbies, exercise, and a fulfilling social life.

I made the decision under the influence of a potent combination of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a deep-seated conviction that I could always be better. I eagerly handed over my credit card details, basking in the warm glow of anticipation.

The Great Unboxing (or, How I Learned to Love Digital Dust)

The course arrived in my inbox with a fanfare of welcome emails and promises of transformation. I eagerly downloaded the modules, printed out the worksheets, and even purchased a fancy new notebook to jot down my newfound wisdom.

And then…life happened.

Work deadlines piled up. Unexpected family obligations arose. The dog ate my favorite pair of shoes (true story). My meticulously planned schedule crumbled like a poorly constructed sandcastle.

The course, once making my heart full of hope, now sat untouched on my digital shelf, gathering virtual dust. Each time I saw it, a wave of guilt washed over me. I berated myself for my lack of discipline, my inability to follow through, and my inherent laziness.

The Science of Self-Sabotage (and Why We Do It)

According to the Harvard Business Review, this type of self-sabotage is surprisingly common. We often set ambitious goals, only to undermine our own efforts. Why? Because change is hard. It requires us to step outside of our comfort zones, to confront our fears and insecurities, and to question our deeply held beliefs about ourselves.

In my case, the time management course represented a threat to my identity as a “busy” person. Being constantly overwhelmed had become a badge of honor, a way of proving my worth. The prospect of actually having free time was both exhilarating and terrifying.

From Self-Flagellation to Self-Compassion

After weeks of wallowing in self-recrimination, I realized that my approach wasn’t working. Beating myself up wasn’t going to magically motivate me to complete the course. In fact, it was having the opposite effect.

So, I decided to try a different tactic: self-compassion.

Instead of focusing on my perceived failures, I started to acknowledge the challenges I was facing. I reminded myself that life is messy and unpredictable, and that it’s okay to not always have everything under control. I gave myself permission to take breaks, to rest, to recharge.

Reframing the Narrative

I also began to reframe the way I thought about the course. Instead of viewing it as a chore, I started to see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I reminded myself of the reasons why I had purchased it in the first place: my desire to be more productive, to feel less stressed, and to have more time for the things that matter.

With this new perspective, I started to approach the course with curiosity and a sense of playfulness. I didn’t put any pressure on myself to complete it in a certain timeframe or to implement every single strategy. Instead, I focused on finding the tools and techniques that resonated with me.

How I’m Slowly but Surely Mastering My Time

It’s been a few months since I purchased the course, and I’m still not finished with it. But that’s okay. I’m making progress, one small step at a time. I’ve started using a time-blocking system to schedule my days, I’ve set boundaries around my work hours, and I’ve even managed to carve out some time for hobbies and self-care.

I’m not the perfectly organized, zen-like productivity guru that I envisioned myself becoming. But I’m okay with that. I’m learning to embrace the messiness of life, to be kind to myself when I fall short, and to celebrate my small victories.

Embracing Imperfection (or, Why I’m Not a Productivity Robot)

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from this experience is that I’m not a machine. I’m a human being with emotions, flaws, and limitations. I’m not always going to be motivated, focused, or productive. And that’s okay.

Instead of striving for perfection, I’m learning to embrace imperfection. I’m accepting that there will be days when I don’t get everything done, when I procrastinate, and when I make mistakes. But I’m also learning to be kind to myself in those moments, to recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

Finding My Own Rhythm (or, How I’m Creating a Sustainable System)

Another important realization I’ve had is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to time management. What works for one person may not work for another. I’m learning to experiment with different strategies, to find the ones that fit my personality and lifestyle.

For example, I’ve discovered that I’m more productive in the mornings, so I try to schedule my most important tasks for that time of day. I’ve also learned that I need to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. And I’ve found that setting small, achievable goals helps me stay motivated and on track.

The Power of Community (or, Why I’m Not Going It Alone)

I’ve also discovered the power of community. Talking to other people who are also struggling with time management has been incredibly helpful. It’s reminded me that I’m not alone in this, and it’s given me the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.

I’ve joined online forums, attended workshops, and even started a accountability group with a few friends. Having a supportive community has made a huge difference in my journey.

The Moral of the Story

If you’ve ever purchased a self-improvement course and then let it gather dust, know that you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and forget that real change takes time, effort, and a whole lot of self-compassion.

So, dust off that course, give yourself a break, and start again. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.

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