Time Management Essentials

OK - let’s start by getting real, and getting serious.?Time management is a myth.?We really don’t manage time, we can’t.?What we manage is ourselves.?We manage our actions, our habits and our responses.

I’ve been specialising in time management and effectiveness for the past 15 years and I’ve argued this point a lot.?Some of you might not accept this, some of you might wholeheartedly agree.?The good news is it doesn’t matter.?The actions we take to get a handle on managing ourselves (or our time if you insist) are the same.?And there are two things that I have found stand out above all others.?So that’s what we’ll cover today.?Do these two things and I guarantee* you will be in the top 10% in terms of managing your work and your activities.

The 5 Minute Plan

It’s sometimes said that perfection is the enemy of the good.?We put off doing something to a small extent, because we think we need to do something sweeping and comprehensive.?Sometimes that’s true, but often it isn’t.?I have a whole suite of strategic planning systems, and I employ weekly and daily planning and review processes.?But does everyone need this??Simply – no they don’t.?Be wary of anyone who says they have?THE?answer for any given issue.?I have a system that works for me, but I constantly tailor and adapt it.?I could take you through it and you could adopt the principles, but to make it truly work for you it would need to be tailored to you.?One size doesn’t fit anyone.

So why am I now contradicting myself with recommendations and advice??Well, these are two approaches to take, but you will need to tailor them so they are effective for you.?The 5 minute plan is an entry into work planning.?You can do this even if you have no other planning system.?And if you do have a system this will absolutely be a part of it.

It’s as simple as it sounds.?On a daily basis, either at the end of the day (my personal recommendation) or at the stat of the next day, take 5 minutes to plan what a good day will be.?What are the 2-3 things that you need to do to feel that the day will be a success.?Write these down and focus your activity on these areas. Then simply rinse and repeat.?Very simple but hugely effective.?The most powerful force we have access to is consistency.

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Environmental Planning

Does the same environment work for every task??Don’t bother to reply, I know the answer is no.?Different tasks require different environments (and again this differs for each of us).?If you have a concentrating task you might need silence, or you might work better with background noise.?If you have a creative task you might need to move around and plaster the walls with post-it notes, or you might need people, debate and discussion.?Comfort, warmth, light levels all play their part, and so do distractions.?You might need to put yourself in airplane mode for some activities and silence potential interruptions.?On a personal level take a proactive approach.?Think about the ideal environment that supports you to complete different tasks, and then set about creating that environment (or getting as close to it as you can).?

All too often we work reactively and try and fit ourselves into our circumstances.?Even if it’s just with these two actions, take a proactive approach and start creating the habits that work for you.

*This guarantee is not legally or financially backed.?I know deep down that it’s true and surely that’s enough??Basically don’t sue me.

Article by Dave Jarrold, Skills Development Consultant for Edinburgh Napier Student Futures