What is "time management" really all about?

In a seminar earlier this year, I asked this question and wrote as many answers as I heard. So, here's the question:

"What are you managing when you're managing time?"

Ok, before you read on, take a moment at least and ask yourself that question. What one or two line answer comes to mind? When I asked a group of 40 people what they are really managing, here were some of the answers...

The truth is, we're managing all this, and more! I think it's appropriate that we remember just all that goes into making things possible. We've got to focus our attention, move toward successful outcomes, and celebrate our wins on a regular basis.

As it's just past the middle of the week, consider doing all three of those things. Grab a piece of paper and write answers to these three questions:

What are you focusing on this week?

What would you like to accomplish by Friday?

What can you celebrate, what did you complete in your work or in your life this week?

I'd love to hear from anyone who does this mini-process. Feel free to leave a comment below!

 

Comments

[Scott]

Jason,

I always have more to do for which I will ever have time. This, I suspect, will continue to be the case until I'm gone. What I must do (weekly) is look at my entire list and through careful consideration, let the most important items rise to the top.

With that done, I list 5-8 items off the top and consider my week to be successful if I can at least make significant progress on those items.

I always factor in margin time for the unexpected (email, phone calls, visitors, etc.) And if a to do item requires it, I will sequester myself away from the distractions and do what needs to be done.

Scott Couchenour
Life Balance Coach To People Helpers
www.servingstrong.com
www.servingstrong.typepad.com