Time Management or Self-Management?

Truths on Time Management:

  • Time is not manageable.
  • We can only manage ourselves and our activities in given time.
  • Time is the only irreplaceable resource. No matter what we do, time passes.
  • Each day, each week, each month, each year we all have the same time at our disposal, you, me, Bill Gates, Madonna, the President, Novak Djokovic... The only difference is the way we use it!
  • The only way to possibly have more time is to use it in a better and more efficient way.

What is time management?

Time management is the ability to plan and use our own time in an effective and efficient way, at work, as well as in private life.

  • Effective – Do the right things
  • Efficient – Do things in the right way
  • Ultimate skill – Do the right things in the right way

What do I need for a start?

The first step is a decision that we want to be experts in time management and a wish to put our lives and time under control
Good time management:

  • Saves us 2 hrs a day, i.e. 56 hrs a month
  • Gives us a greater sense of control, more energy, less stress, greater life satisfaction

Be creative in finding new ways!

How much attention do we pay to time thieves?

  • Poorly organized meetings
  • Telephone conversations
  • Poor delegating
  • Unclear authority lines
  • Lack of priority
  • Bad communication
  • Indecisiveness and lateness
  • Inability to say no
  • Inability to finalize
  • Lack of self-discipline
  • Frequent outside interruptions
  • Too much paperwork and reading
  • Personal disorganization

How do we spend our time?

  • 80% of unfocused efforts gives only 20% results
  • 80% of results can be achieved with only 20% of time when we do the right things in the right way

 

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A few solutions:

  • Plan your deadlines and set your priorities
  • Perfectionism is not possible, be happy that things are good enough
  • Focus on your strengths, not on your weaknesses only
  • Respect your daily energy level
  • Do not postpone unpleasant but important things
  • Plan your telephone calls and answer to your e-mails
  • Finish work
  • Plan in writing
  • At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to clear up your desk and the computer
  • The focus should be on the results, not on how busy you are
  • Divide your day into 30 min intervals
  • Keep updated records of the things to do
  • Add 10% time for unplanned things
  • Live in the now, instead of the past or the future

Marija Svigir

Learn more at our training program:
Effective time management

Action Personal Coaching