How To: Reclaim Your Time

So, this has been making the rounds on social media and rightfully so: Maxine Waters, the U.S. representative of the State of California, shut this white guy down. Oh, man. She did it beautifully! When asking about a letter she wrote and why neither him or his colleagues reply to said letter, he preceded to shower her with compliments - as if that matters when you're trying to get shit done - and she shut him d-o-w-n. Ah, what a thing of beauty. And simply by repeating "I am reclaiming my time". It got me thinking: how many of us deal with that in our lives? People or things that are preventing us from getting shit done and being our best selves? Following in on the path laid out by the awesome politician Maxine Waters, here's a guide to reclaim your time.

1. Delete *those* people from social media.

Yes, you know the ones I'm talking about. The people who make you feel like crap about your own life and have you feeling like less then. Cut them out - snip snip, bitch. You don't need to be made to feel as if the life you're living isn't living up to some imaginary standard created by society and enforced by your dumb high school friends or that girl you went to primary school with who blasts how amazing her boyfriend is on Facebook every 20 minutes. You are living your life the best way you can and that is the only thing that matters.

2. Don't let others dictate how obtainable your goals are.

You got a dream? Chase it. Fight for it. Works towards it. Don't let random ass Joe from across the street tell you your dream is too big. Only you know what you are capable of and only you know how hard you are capable of pushing yourself. So, go for it. Screw random ass Joe.

3. Say 'No' more often.

Sometimes, in an attempt to make others happy and, other times, out of the kindness of your heart, we stretch ourselves thin trying to do everything and anything for others. We say yes to things we don't want and have no desire to participate in because it will make someone else happy. I think it's important that we learn to 'No' assertively and without an extra explanation. Simply saying you don't want to do something or aren't interested should be sufficient and that includes learning to accept a simple 'No' in return.

4. Put yourself first.

Now, I'm not saying you have to do this all the time - a little selflessness is a good thing. But putting yourself first and making yourself a priority is extremely important. If you need to have alone time, just go home, watch some TV shows and unwind but your friend really wants to go to the cinema, it's ok to say "you know what? Thank you, but I need some me time". This also applies to professional projects or romantic relationships. Be a little more selfish with your time and with your energy. Reclaim your time - make it yours. Your mind will thank you for it.