Most of us get, each day, 1440 minutes to do with as we please. What we do with this time is up to us. Let's consider two ideas and definitions. To drift - it's a navigation term which indicates a movement due to the forces of winds and currents. It implies no control. The second definition is the word - Managing. This means to take charge of something. The honest truth, is that most folks drift through their days. Most flow through their days with vague ideas as to what to do. Many have very few goals. Of course, there are others who do manage their days. If you are choosing, who do you believe would be most successful?
I want to give a few laws (rules, suggestions) that are important to effectively manage our time:
1. Use some sort of written list
2. List management and time management are different activities.
3. We should do our planning and do our doing as separate activities.
4. Though we want to plan our days, flexibility is still important.
Let's discuss each one of these rules:
First, let's take the written list. Ever awakened in the middle of night with cold chills of worry? How often has this been caused by a feeling of uncertainty as to what you need to get done? Few experts disagree that it is important to write down things we need to do. We can use paper systems or computer systems. Regardless which we use, it is important to have some sort of a system in place - written or typed into a computer.
Second, the managing of lists and daily planning are different types of actions. Both are important, but daily planning is the tool used to actually make sure the tasks get done effectively. Daily planning is the means by which we work out how to use the minutes and the hours of the day.
We should treat the planning what to do and the actual doing of the tasks as separate actions. Some people plan as they do and this does not work well. It is best to do the planning and then get on with getting the tasks done. Plan first-then do.
Flexibility is another important factor. Plan our days too tightly, and we will undoubtedly become frustrated. Our days tend to be divided between predicted and unpredicted activities. One could say that there is a ratio between predicted in unpredicted activities. Everyone has a different tolerance for this ratio. Also certain jobs and lifestyles bring on different levels of predicted and unpredicted activities. Think of the difference between a mother raising four children and, perhaps, an accountant. Regardless of your job and your tolerance level it is best to remember that there will be things that happen during the day that you do not predict. Flexibility should be built into any plan.
There are many definitions of happiness but one that I like is that happiness is based upon our ability to get our goals done. If you agree that that is part of happiness and you will also agree that getting things done is part of being happy. By keeping in mind the four rules above, and by keeping a good list, and doing good daily planning, you will be sure to get as much done as you possibly can.
I want to give a few laws (rules, suggestions) that are important to effectively manage our time:
1. Use some sort of written list
2. List management and time management are different activities.
3. We should do our planning and do our doing as separate activities.
4. Though we want to plan our days, flexibility is still important.
Let's discuss each one of these rules:
First, let's take the written list. Ever awakened in the middle of night with cold chills of worry? How often has this been caused by a feeling of uncertainty as to what you need to get done? Few experts disagree that it is important to write down things we need to do. We can use paper systems or computer systems. Regardless which we use, it is important to have some sort of a system in place - written or typed into a computer.
Second, the managing of lists and daily planning are different types of actions. Both are important, but daily planning is the tool used to actually make sure the tasks get done effectively. Daily planning is the means by which we work out how to use the minutes and the hours of the day.
We should treat the planning what to do and the actual doing of the tasks as separate actions. Some people plan as they do and this does not work well. It is best to do the planning and then get on with getting the tasks done. Plan first-then do.
Flexibility is another important factor. Plan our days too tightly, and we will undoubtedly become frustrated. Our days tend to be divided between predicted and unpredicted activities. One could say that there is a ratio between predicted in unpredicted activities. Everyone has a different tolerance for this ratio. Also certain jobs and lifestyles bring on different levels of predicted and unpredicted activities. Think of the difference between a mother raising four children and, perhaps, an accountant. Regardless of your job and your tolerance level it is best to remember that there will be things that happen during the day that you do not predict. Flexibility should be built into any plan.
There are many definitions of happiness but one that I like is that happiness is based upon our ability to get our goals done. If you agree that that is part of happiness and you will also agree that getting things done is part of being happy. By keeping in mind the four rules above, and by keeping a good list, and doing good daily planning, you will be sure to get as much done as you possibly can.
About the Author:
Your Personal Organizer can be a sheet of paper. Time Management Software can also help. We've got a great one - check it out today.
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