Is time management an area you struggle with? Are you happy with how you spend your time? Most people aren’t. One of the worst human traits that lets many people down is not using their time in the best possible way. We all get only 24 hours a day and 8 of these we are meant to be sleeping, so that if my maths is right only gives us 16 hours every day to work, play, socialise, be with family, eat, exercise, do work around our home, and other things we need to be doing.
“Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.”
Thomas Edison
We all know how important our time is. How many times have you said something like: ‘I don’t have time to do………..’ ‘If only I had more time I would…….’ ‘There just aren’t enough hours in the day……’
I bet you’ve said them a few times yourself, right?
As we all get exactly the same number of hours in a day, why do some people seem to have enough time to do everything they want to do and others never seem to have enough?
I believe everyone should work out how they’re spending their time. Every time you do anything write it down, record this for around 3 days to see how much time you’re using well, and how much you’re wasting. But as a work-life balance coach, I have to remind you to also notice how much time you spend on evenings and weekends doing work. You want a clear picture of exactly how you spend your time.
Having done this, then think about what is the best use of your time and ask yourself is what you are doing reflecting this, or are you spending far too much time doing the wrong stuff.
Even worse, how much time are you wasting on pointless activities?
Be honest with yourself. Are you being easily distracted? Deliberately avoiding doing things you know you need to be doing. Wasting valuable time surfing the internet, playing games on your phone, constantly checking email, Facebook and text messages.Are you letting time management be one of your worst traits.
You’ll never get back the time you waste.
“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
Philip Stanhope
You can’t control time, but you can control yourself and how you use it.
Is there any benefit to you in making more of your time?
Of course there is!
You know it. Work would benefit if you spent your time on high payoff activities. Relationships would blossom if you spent quality time with you’re your loved ones and friends. Your health from spending an hour doing exercise would be good.
If you want to be a better time manager then you must be willing to change and commit to new habits. When it comes to managing your time better, there is no magic wand. It’s all down to you, your behaviour and your choices. The key to time management is self-management.
When the day is over and you look back at what you’ve accomplished, often you will think to yourself where has the day gone. Make sure from this point forward you’re a master of time management.
“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
Nelson Mandela
Time management isn’t this magical formula that so few understand. In fact, anyone can efficiently manage their time as long as they get organized first. Without organization, it’s difficult to see just what needs to be accomplished in the day and how important each of those things are to your long-term goals.
Organising your time is key to time management. Not leaving things to meander and decide what you’re going to do as you go along. You need to plan your day every day. Isn’t that what management does … organise things?
When you get organized with your time, you not only increase your ability to manage your daily tasks effectively, but you also increase the likelihood of putting time where it really counts: towards those long-term goals that you harbour deep down inside.
Want a wonderful marriage? Spend quality time with your spouse?
Have a goal of making good money? Spend your time focus on doing the priority jobs?
Want to be a best-selling author? Spend time writing your book.
You want to be healthy and full of energy? Spend time preparing healthy foods to eat, exercise for an hour, sleep for 8.
Planning is an essential part of being organised. Plan ahead. Know in advance what you are going to do. Make a ‘to do’ list for each day if this will help focus your activities.
Plan your time effectively, maximise your productivity and maintain optimum control over your activities. Effective time management creates, divides and allocates time – it is an active process.
Only you know where you really should be focusing your time. As long as you are focused, know your goals, and your commitments. If you do then what you need to be doing should be clear.
“Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.”
Leonardo da Vinci
Do you believe in the importance of time? How do you make the best use of your time? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please share it.
Remember that every moment is precious.
Be disciplined and refuse to waste any more time as you go forward. You’ve probably wasted enough already.
Please contact us if you would like to find out about one to one coaching on Time Management. Got major concerns? Apply for a free one hour coaching session below!
