Managing Yourself In Time

One of my mentors, Bill Truby taught me, “We don’t need to learn time management because we simply can’t manage time.” He said, “The reality is that there are twenty-four hours in a day. But what we can manage is ourselves in time.”

I’m all for personal empowerment. Take charge of your life, do what you intend, and achieve your highest potential. Learning to manage ourselves in time is essential for busy people.

The first step is knowing priorities.

I like to say that “success is living in alignment with our values.” So, what matters most to you? Typical answers include: Family. Health. Spiritual Connection. Financial Freedom. Career. Friends. A Cause You Believe In. Learning. Adventure. Fun. And so on.

Once you identify your top six values, I advise you to write them down in order, and post a note on your desk, in your phone, on a mirror or anywhere that you’ll be reminded of how you define success.

Now, we are challenged to organize our life around what matters most. This takes balance, planning and careful discernment. It also takes a realistic view of our time, capacity and all commitments in our life. Here are two solid ideas to support you.

Learn to say no.

Do what is yours, and nothing more. One quick tip if you are uncomfortable saying no (disappointing people): postpone your no.

Here’s an example: “Thanks for asking and thinking of me. Let me consult my calendar (or family, or assistant) and get back with you in the next 24 hours.” This gives you space to consider. When you reply later, consider text, email or phone – whatever is most comfortable for you. If your answer is a no, sandwich the no between positive statements like “I’m impressed with your cause, business, etc. or I wanted to but… or Thank you again… etc.” And when you say no, don’t apologize. Likely you just don’t have the time, and that is a respectable, simple answer as is.

Understand the power of planning ahead.

When you have activities to get done, schedule them! I am not a proponent of the simple To Do list. I am an advocate of taking your tasks and putting them in a calendar. My preference is a digital calendar. The benefits of scheduling your tasks are many, including realistic planning and setting clear boundaries. You’ll soon see what is realistic to get done in a day.

• Place activities in blocks that accurately reflect the amount of time needed to accomplish the task. If anything, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.
• You can be flexible. If you miss or don’t finish an activity, schedule it in the future.
• Digital calendars allow you to color code activities (fitness, family, work, etc.) for better work life balance.
• Block out time for things like travel time, cleaning, checking emails, errands, and administrative tasks (don’t expect to “fit them in,” schedule them in).
• Assign reoccurring activities for ease and the power of routines.
• Block out time for non-interrupted work projects.
• Keep dates with yourself for self-care and time with friends for renewal.
• Leave space for the unexpected. Do not fill every minute.