E-couragement: 3 Steps to Master Time Management

“In fact, the most important thing probably isn’t even on your agenda.”  Seth Godin Maybe it’s a result of our current work reality that companies are still demanding workshops and learning wrapped around the topic of time management; in fact, it’s one of the most requested sessions. We have more to do and we need to get it done faster with fewer people to help. This time-crisis is at epidemic proportions, impacting our work and personal life. So, let’s fix it today with our 3 Steps to Master Time Management.

Humans can be funny—especially when we don’t mean to be. We often accept theories simply because we’ve been told, “that’s the way it is.” Therein lies the root of our time management crisis. The solution rests in our ability to challenge current beliefs. With that in mind, let’s dive into the 3-steps:

1. Recognize the Illusion: Solving the time management predicament can appear sexy. It involves the quest for more effective checklists, calendars, and technology. All the while, this busying pursuit is a perfect distraction from a reality: time management is an illusion. We can’t manage time anymore than we can grab a fistful of wind (go outside and try it). Perhaps if we could uncover a way to manage time we could also figure out how to control the sun and earth’s rotation. Did I mention humans are funny?
2. Accept responsibility: Here’s the irony. By holding on to our former belief we ensure failure. Success relies solely on our willingness to take 100% responsibility for what we do and when we do it. The minute we place blame somewhere else (lack of time, our boss, customers, coworkers, the economy, etc.) or resort to excuse making, we lose our power. Here’s a tough reality that I regularly remind myself of (with a spirit of compassion): Yesterday—and all the days before that—I did exactly what I wanted to do. My evidence? I did it.
3. Modify actions: Now that we’ve regained our power, it’s time to take action. Here’s the final step. At the end of each day, reflect and ask: Am I happy with how I invested my time? Were my actions aligned with my purpose, priorities, and goals? If so—awesome! You rock. If not, then determine what you’ll do different tomorrow. That’s it. Success.

Here’s what I’ve found after decades of struggling with the time management fantasy. My real challenge is self-mastery. Once I finally recognized the illusion, accepted responsibility, and modified my actions, things started to improve. I don’t want to be misleading—I still wrestle (daily) with self-mastery. The difference is that I can actually do something about myself, leaving time to manage itself. Reclaim your power. Align your actions and priorities. Do what’s important. At the end of the day, you’ll have an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction.

Leave your comments: How are you being more effective with self-mastery?