Making Your Time Count

 

Just Do It

Many people ask how I accomplish so many things with work, volunteer, family and leisure time.  My answer to the question is:  I just do it.

So you already know I am an early bird.  Up at 5 am except Saturdays when I sleep in until 6 or so.  First thing every morning I prepare my task list by creating a new one starting with the most important task first.  Having the discipline to complete task one and then move onto task two and so forth . It is difficult to always be disciplined because everything new becomes an instant priority.

Time Management

One of the keys to managing your time is to schedule your priorities and not to prioritize what is in your schedule.  Go back and read this sentence again.  Try it!

An interesting and effective tool is creating a "Do Not Do List".  This may seem strange, however, reviewing this list helps to remain focused on the priority tasks.

Set The Agenda

Setting agendas for meetings has helped manage time more effectively.  How many meetings do you attend and find not much was accomplished or no action items to take away?

This technique has helped to better manage my time.  When someone asks for your time, besides asking them to set an agenda, I have found giving them some "homework" separates the time wasters from the ones who are genuinely interested in making a difference.  Ask questions.  Ask for deliverables for the other person to bring to the meeting along with their agenda of course.

Bring Your Passion

Always bring your passion to everything you do.  Bring your energy and be present in the moment.  Our minds are always racing about the past and the future.  Focus on the moment and bring all of you to embrace the moment.

Recently I participated in the Heartbreaker Challenge.   It was easy to sit around at home and complain about leaving the couch, heading out in the mud and possible rain.  We took our team pic, did a fist pump and we were ready to embrace the challenge!  Of course, when you are focused on the moment, even crawling in the mud can be worthwhile!

Say No

Learning to say no.  Very tough.  Sometimes the right answer is to say no.  Set your criteria on what you are going to add to your plate and simply say no to the others.

How do you make your time count?

(Originally published on 05.29.19)