So...it's been a while.

My goal has been to write a short article every week about leadership based upon my experiences and education. BTW, the education and experiences never stop.

However, over the summer it became increasingly more difficult to sit down and write. I refuse to use AI to write articles for me. My desire is to remain "authentic" and "real". I am not sure AI can do that.

So...it's been a while since I posted the last article.

I believe I am not alone in the struggle to set priorities and accomplish what I set out to do. It seems that sometimes, maybe more times than not, that everything appears to be a #1 priority. It seems like everything I want to accomplish needs to be done right now.

Tell me I am not alone.

So how does that happen? Why does it happen?

The answers are complex and have many interrelated factors that can be boiled down to one important fact. We all have 24 hours in each day and it depends upon how we use/spend that time as to whether we accomplish what we set out to do.

The buzzword is "time management". But it's not as simple as prioritizing our daily to-do lists and following a strict schedule.

Identifying and understanding who we are and how we effectively work each day is the beginning of taking control of our daily lives and schedules.

You see, I believe that we each have more control each day than we most times we think we do.

So here is one small thing I have done that helped me to begin to take control of my days...

Set aside 15-30 minutes each day to work on this issue. I suggest reading and/or journaling about what is most important to you. Ensure that this is uninterrupted time. Don't let anything get in the way. Make it a nonnegotiable priority.

I do it first thing in the morning before my day really gets started. Of course it has evolved over time and has changed form and function. The point is, take time for yourself to plan and direct each day.

There are many strategies that can be implemented in this area to help. As I write this, maybe I will elaborate on a few of those strategies in coming articles.

In the meantime, take control of your day. Take control of your schedule and calendar. Invest the precious 24 hours we each have towards your dreams, goals and aspirations. You ARE in control and you CAN make the adjustments necessary to WIN!