Learning how to manage time on a daily basis is a challenge for many and seems to be easy for some. Time Management is when you get to choose how to spend your time. You plan every hour, minute and second of how, when and where you will divide 24 hours. You can also prioritize your time to make sure you accomplish your tasks. The things that are most important to you should have the highest ranking on your schedule.
Time management is the act or process of exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase efficiency or productivity.
The key to efficiency and productivity is making sure you use your time wisely. Making sure time does not slip away without a stamp of productivity and accomplishment. There are many ways to manage time and the key is to find what works best for you.
Some people manage their time by writing down “to do lists” and some write things down on daily, weekly and monthly calendars called planners.
There are other creative ways like putting things on sticky notes, keeping journals, pop up reminders on computer calendars, etc. Whatever method you choose make sure it is effective and productive for you.
The most effective and productive system that has worked for me over the years is a combination of writing “to do lists” and planners. I write everything down. I do this habitually so I won’t forget anything. When you are busy and have a lot of tasks, it is easy to forget something. It is always best to write things down. I also use daily and monthly planners. I started using the Franklin Covey Planner system when I took the class “What Matters Most” in 2001.
I always have a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when I get things done. When I plan out my time daily and monthly it helps me stay on track with my goals. My focus is then on purpose. Each day I only focus on what is planned on my daily schedule while leaving room for those things I don’t have control over. This is important because sometimes unfortunate things happen even when things are well planned out.
Sometimes unfortunate things can cause some goals to go uncompleted for a period of time. In these instances don’t blame yourself, stay on track and pray for wisdom on how you should proceed.
In the month of November I start planning my monthly calendars for the next year. I include new goals and old goals in my planning. I also celebrate the goals and tasks I completed in the previous year. This shows how much I accomplished.
The old adage “Time Waits for No Man” is true and should be taken seriously. Time goes on no matter what. You cannot roll back time. Once time has moved on, it has moved on. This may sound depressing for some but there is hope on redeeming time. According to Ephesians 5: 15, 16 we are to be careful how we walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of our time because the days are evil. (American Standard Version)
In the Random House College Dictionary, redeem means to buy back, recover or to make up for. When you have lost time on a task, you must find a way to redeem the time to complete the task.
Some people recover time by doubling up on tasks, delegating tasks and using technology. Other people resort to methods used by college students by pulling all nighters without any sleep. In Garfield Gates article “Effective Study Habits for College Students” in Hub Pages, he gives 7 tips on how college students can study effectively and plan ahead. He also covers some time management tips for students.
In Randy Morrison’s CD series “Time: The Currency of a Prosperous Life,” he says that God created us to have dreams and goals and it will take time to make them become a reality. He also says that the major difference between the prosperous and the poor is their value of time.
Managing your time will always be important. Time management is the key to getting things done. The way you manage time will determine how much you achieve in a given day, week, month or year. Finding the best time management system that works for you is essential in moving forward with your goals and dreams.
