3 Steps to Make Time for Anything

"I don't have enough time!"

(~ said every marketing manager )

Over the years I have seen many projects not deliver the expected results or take much more time than anticipated. The most common reasons were that the strategy behind the project wasn't clear and people didn't make the time & resource commitment that would have been needed to be successful. Funny thing is: everyone working on the project knew. A typical conversation would go like this:

"We really need a workshop to align on strategy, goals and clear roles and responsibilities!"

"Yes, absolutely! I just don't have the time!"

"It'll get better in a couple of weeks, once the presentation is over."

And everyone steps back into the hamster wheel. And guess what: It never gets better. We are too busy working on the urgent things. We do not spend enough time on the things that are important in the mid- to long-term.

A first approach managers take, is to organize a time management course for the team. Here we learn how to optimize our time, organize our inbox, manage our "To do" lists and plan our week. These are all great skills, but will only get us so far. People will become more efficient and still won't have enough time.

Step 1: Excuses Or Lack of Accountability. Pick your poison!

Let's face it: We all have the same amount of time. Saying "I don't have enough time!" means one of two things:

a) You don't want to do it, and you are using lack of time as an excuse.

b) You don't feel you can do it, because of other obligations. It means that you prioritize other people's interests higher than your own and thereby push accountablity to them.

"Busy is what happens when you are at the mercy of someone else's schedule. " (Derek Sivers)

Well, that's sh**! Now what?

Step 2: Change your perspective - Being busy does not equal being important!

There are good reasons why we are spending so much time in meetings and responding to emails: It makes us feel important and sought after. The phrase "I'm so busy" is like a self-affirmation that boosts our self-confidence. Also, corporate culture teaches us that being busy is equal to being important. Once you acknowledge the fact, that we are all playing along the "busy" game for a reason, it will be easier to change your perspective.

The problem is that the short-term fix we get from putting out fires in the short-term, leaves us frustrated and overwhelmed in the long-term. The main reason is that this type of work is lacking purpose and usually doesn't connect with our values.

To step out of this cycle, we need to be open and honest about our real motivators. We have to acknowledge that it is us, who are choosing how to spend our time every single day. There is nobody else to blame.

Step 3: Take back control over your schedule!

When we feel overwhelmed by all the things we are supposed to do, we have probably done one or more of the following things:

• we overcommitted, beyond what we're able to deliver
• we have handed over control of our schedule to others
• we consistently prioritize the needs of others over our own
• we are fuzzy on what's REALLY important and lost sight on what actions get us closer to our goals.

You have read this far and NOW is the time to take back responsibility for your role within the team you are working in. Take a step back and get clear on your priorities and goals. What matters most to reach your goal? If this is hard for you, get the support you need.

"It's not easy, but it's simple!" (Eric Thomas)

You might not always like the trade-offs, but how you spend your time and the role you play is your very own choice.

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If you found this article interesting, download the free "Time Reclaimer System" Worksheet and take the first step to get back in control of your calendar in 3 easy steps.

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Christian works as an executive coach and marketing collaboration expert. He helps marketing leaders to become focused, faster and more efficient. His approach is to integrate business goals with the required behavioral change. Key areas of expertise are internal positioning of marketing, partnering with other business functions and working in multi-cultural, international, dispersed teams.