One of the big everyday challenges we all face is about finding the time for all the things we want to fit into our day. This probably holds true for a new-joiner just starting their first job as well as for a seasoned country manager. It certainly is the case for me and it was one of the main things I kept thinking about before bringing myself forward for the Kili challenge. Also, my husband immediately said, that I won’t find the time to exercise and prepare. Well, people who know me a little also know, that telling me I cannot do something will be the best motivator for me 🙂

Over the past months and weeks I now learned a lot about how to use my time, how to find time and also how to quit doing things, which do not matter too much (at least not at the moment). I dramatically cut down the free time I spend in front of a screen, mainly watching the latest Netflix shows. The most important aspect about finding the time actually is connected to flexible working! I’m not a morning person, so doing a regular exercise before work is not for me. Also, ending work early in the afternoon is often more complicated than I hope for and then I might actually be too tired for going to the gym. The solution which works best for me is taking an extended lunch-break when I’m working from home and do a walk, go to the gym or ride my bike then. When I return to my desk I feel energized and also a little proud because I already did my exercise and I do not stress out about finishing at a specific time in the evening. I’m not saying this is the right solution for everyone, but I am confident, that everybody can find a way that works best for them, making full use of our flexible working arrangements. If I can do it, you most certainly can as well.

If someone is wondering which sacrifices (time-wise) I made on top of that and whether I regret that, I also have a confession to make. My garden is severely neglected this year and looks a mess. The hot weather did not help in that respect either. Do I regret this? Not really, maybe in 2019 I will then discover my love for gardening…