image via Jayel Aheram
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to take part in a Time Management class. Well, it wasn’t so much of a class as it was a one night talk.
The biggest thing I took away from this talk was the slogan HALT. Here was the sage advice:
Generally, when we make plans, we’re thinking logically. For example, let’s say that you have a certain time limit to run all your errands. With a logical and sane mind, you would plan your errands in a practical and methodical order — one that would allow you to accomplish as many of them as possible.
In the midst of these errands, the biggest thing you have to worry about is HALT: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and [being] Tired.
So. Back to the scenario…
You’ve run most of your errands, and you’ve gotten a little bit hungry, and that hunger is starting to cloud your judgement. If you give in and stop at the local Starbucks for a snack, you won’t be able to finish all that you set out to do.
In the above scenario, hunger is the example, but the same could be said for anger, loneliness, or feeling tired.
The lesson taught was to not allow any of these four things derail your plans, because when we are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, logic goes out the window. Trust in the plan that you made earlier and don’t deviate from it.
Of the four, I am most vulnerable to hunger. I’m one of those people who starts to crash when I get hungry. Trust me, you don’t want to be in my presence when I’m hungry.
What makes you vulnerable to sabotaging your plans?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
you could probably guess mine - being tired. I can’t do anything good if I am tired. Hey - your workouts are looking pretty darn good over there. How are you feeling?
@ Denise~
Thank goodness, my muscles are feeling better — they used to ache every time I rolled over in bed. I’m feeling good — thanks for asking! I don’t feel “strong” yet, but I know I’ll get back there, soon enough.
OH WOW! My therapist talks about H.A.L.T. all the time and I’ve been meaning to write about it but haven’t gotten around to it yet (yup, falling into the someday syndrome on that one!). Personally I think these four reasons impact almost everyone. I know that when I’m any of these four things I definitely have trouble being the person I want to be. Thanks for writing about this and bringing it back into my focus. I WILL be writing a post about this soon (haha… at least I think I will…).
What a great concept-I’ve never heard of it but it totally makes sense. Hunger is the thing that usually derails me-watch out when my tummy starts rumbling! I try to plan accordingly and keep little snacks when I’m out and about. This is so true for the kids too-tired and hungry rules out over any other plan!
It seems to me, that if you have a lot of errands planned and you run into one or more of the HALTs, that is your body’s way of saying “You are done for the day. You must stop and fix whatever it is that is bothering you.”
I know myself pretty well by now, and I know that I cannot plan errands that take more than a few hours or a few stops, unless I also plan break times in there. I either bring food and a book or magazine, or I plan to stop for lunch. If loneliness is a problem I take a break and call a friend or family member, or read blogs on my blackberry.
If I am tired, I know that I must stop and go home. Because if I try to continue I will become more and more irritated and cranky and then when I do get home I’ll be mean to the family and they’ll wonder what is wrong with me.
So I guess I don’t agree with the advice given in the class you took. You shouldn’t trust in your plan as much as you should trust in your body. I know that there are so many things we must do in a day, but we also must prioritize and try not to overschedule.
Am I making sense?
@ PP~
I’m sure your post will be much better written than mine. You have a better way with words than me. I look forward to reading it!
@ Gina~
Me, too. I always bring snacks (and water) for when we’re out and about. It’s better for everyone.
@ Harriet~
It makes sense what you’re saying…we can’t just go, go, go without planning snacks or breaks. I think that’s important to consider when you’re laying out your plans — to be mindful of what your body is going to need at certain times. For me, having children with me is the biggest mindful thing there is. I generally *know* how much time I have before good behavior turns unruly, before tummies start grumbling, etc. It’s made me more aware of my own body rythyms.
Tiredness usually derails me. I now try to stop and deep breathe for a few minutes or meditate or if time allows, have a short nap. It’s not always possible but when I do one of these 3 things, I tend to be more focussed and better able to tackle the next thing on the list.
I’ve also learnt to better let go of jobs and errands if I have a lot on my plate. They are generally there waiting for me the next day anyway. I now prefer to put my mental and physical health first.
Very interesting - I’d come across HALT before but it was in the context of (I think in very difficult times, such as when someone you love has died), avoid allowing yourself to get hungry/angry etc.
But in this context, it’s definitely hunger that derails me and I try to plan for that… but when I’m tired, I make terrible food decisions too!
On the plus side, I’ve noticed I get very, um, assertive in work meetings when I’m hungry, and very occasionally can turn that to my advantage. I’m not saying I take pleasure in being the hungry bitch, but I get very focused and much more able to stand up for myself when lunch is overdue!
@ Sami~
Tiredness is a big one around here, too. It usually doesn’t hit me until 5 pm or so, but watch out when it hits! I was just saying to my husband that every set of parents deserves a *fresh* set of parents to step in around 5 pm.
@ Struggler~
Yes, it’s also similar to the advice “Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry, tired, angry, etc…” You’re bound to come home with many impulse-buys. LOL that hunger makes you get mighty assertive. I can see how that would be.
How funny - they use this in weight watcher meetings too…basically saying only one of them needs food and to ask yourself before you eat emotionally