We sometimes refer to our lives as a juggling act, as we keep several roles in balance: business roles, family roles, social or volunteer roles. We are pulled in so many directions, and most of our days are focused on doing and achieving. We may have little energy and time remaining to appreciate our accomplishments. Many of us get caught up in schedules, commitments, appointments, and activities. Time management is always an issue. However, time management is more than doing things right, it is doing the right things. It is more than the “to do” list and calendars. It involves taking time to prioritize and plan.
Following are some guidelines for achieving what is most important in your life:
- Write down your values and your mission statement. The mission statement is your solid expression of your vision and values; it becomes the criteria by which you measure everything else you do in your life.
- Write down your goals. Goals are overall long term directions. They are specific, measurable, obtainable, within a certain time.
- Break larger goals into meaningful objectives. Objectives are the actions to achieve the goals.
- Fit these important objectives into your schedule by planning monthly. Be sure to have beginning and ending dates.
- Plan ahead on a weekly basis and do not set impossible standards.
- Always build in flex-time for interruptions (have a “Plan B”).
- Pace yourself, learn to delegate, learn to say no.
- Put fun and renewal into each day.
- Learn how to maintain your energy.
- Practice living in the present, now is the time to take action.
