Tag Archive for: Time management

Busy

Yesterday, Monic and I were busy with coaching interviews in Leiden all day.
We both enjoy taking walks with missionaries through the day if we possibly can.
Whilst walking with Allana Frost,we stopped and sat by a large pond.
We were talking about how busy we both were with various assignments and deep in conversation.
As we talked this huge goose approached us looking for food.
It looked pretty mean!
The two of us looked at each other, admittedly a little frightened, and thought it was going to bite us!
We sat still, until it turned away in disappointment that we had nothing for it to eat.
The distraction allowed us to pause, have some fun, and capture a picture or two!
For those moments we stopped being busy with our conversation and laughed!

Choices

Busy, is a choice…..right?
An almost standard reply many give or receive these days when asked how things are is “I’m really busy”.
Are we doing ourselves any favours by staying so busy?
Or is it an impression we simply want to make to others by wearing a busy badge?
Is it really too easy to default to the word “busy” to describe your life?
What is it that you are really saying about yourself and your life?
Maybe you are busy, and you need to focus on your time management and being more productive.
“Crazy-busy’ is a great armour; it’s a great way for numbing. What a lot of us do is that we stay so busy, and so out in front of our life, that the truth of how we’re feeling and what we really need can’t catch up with us.” – Brené Brown

Some Ideas

My invitation today – is to consider these four very simple ideas…
1. Slow down a little more and consider what matters most.
2. Determine not to use the word “busy” in response to any question!
3. Lear to say No!
4. Enjoy relaxation time.
Don’t let busyness hold you back from achieving what truly matters.
After all – busy, is a choice – right?

Using time wisely

“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞?” I asked, in our Mission Leadership Council.
“Lets make a pie chart of the last 7 days” I said.
“How many hours are in a week?” I asked.
A few seconds later, the response was “168.”
Then I asked them to consider several things that they did and to discuss their week together.
How long did you spend…
– 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, you’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 life’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?