Tag Archive for: Time management

Using time wisely

“๐‡๐จ๐ฐ ๐ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž?” I asked, in our Mission Leadership Council.
โ€œLets make a pie chart of the last 7 daysโ€ I said.
โ€œHow many hours are in a week?โ€ I asked.
A few seconds later, the response was โ€œ168.”
Then I asked them to consider several things that they did and to discuss their week together.
How long did you spendโ€ฆ
– sleeping?
– eating?
– exercising?
– in personal grooming?
– shopping?
– cleaning?
– travelling?
– in personal study?
– in companion study?
– in language study?
– in meetings?
– in planning?
– in finding?
– in teaching?
– relaxing?
The result?
There were a few audible gasps in the room when they discovered surprising patterns in how their time was spent.
Using a simple graphic to visualise a typical day or a typical week can be very helpful.
It can help you understand where your time goes and how you can make use of your time better.
Ultimately, the use of an effective time management chart, will help you understand how your time is spent on the many different things you do in life.
After completing the exercise, we turned from the past 7 days, to the next 7 days.
By using the results of their personal time management chart, a quick analysis, will help improve their way of getting things done, and become more productive.
With this approach everyone can make the most of their time and avoid mistakes that can happen.
In essence, time management is really self-management and discipline in how we manage ourselves.
Time flies, but just remember, youโ€™re the pilot!
How can you be more thoughtful and intentional about how you use your time, and make space for the things that matter most?

Punctuality

One of lifeโ€™s eternal pursuits is learning to know oneself. I know I have many failings, but one thing I have mastered through lots of practice and self-discipline is punctuality!

Rarely, (if ever) am I late. Yesterday, I was reminded of this when on my 1pm Zoom call he commented “bang on time!”

Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be a growing challenge with tardiness. I am a very punctual person and as I have discovered in life, typically end up waiting for others.

Preparation is the key for punctuality.

I like to be organised and leave early for appointments, making sure I give myself plenty of time to arrive, allowing for some buffer time just in case there are any unexpected delays along the way. So, if my meeting is scheduled for 9.00, I’ll plan to be there for 8.45. I really enjoy turning up early, it’s part of being punctual, giving me time to relax and to get my thoughts in order. When you are on time it helps to cut down on stress.

Being early is really a sign of being organised, having respect for others, and having good time management skills. Being punctual signals to others, as well as to yourself, that you can be depended on.

Some may find this somewhat annoying? Maybe it is time to change?