Tag: priorities

25 Time Management Strategies

~ K ~ 2 Comments

In January and February 2011, I attended a two-part session on time management by Heartwork Organizing. Here’s a list of 25 strategies I obtained from that session with the ones I am working on in bold. Let me know three of the 25 strategies you think you could use.

  1. Keep a weekly (not daily) to-do list.
  2. Note 3 top priorities/projects/tasks to complete each day.
  3. Using the 80/20 rule (only 20% of your tasks are most important), ensure the tasks in your 20% are the first ones you tackle.
  4. Carry your planner everywhere, even to church, gym, and dates/appointments.
  5. Be aware when you are making a commitment to yourself and others.
  6. Make written appointments with yourself, and keep them as routinely as you would with your hairdresser.
  7. Separate making your to-do list from accomplishing your to-do list.
  8. Separate projects from tasks.
  9. Schedule time on your calendar to work on projects.
  10. Never check your email before __(insert customized time here)__.
  11. When working on projects at your computer, don’t leave your email and browser programs open.
  12. Use a sheet of paper as a “time container” and only write until full.
  13. Use “sticky notes” as disposable containers, not permanent records.
  14. Use “Prince/Princess time management” because you are a Son/Daughter of the King.
  15. Keep your calendar free enough to entertain angels.
  16. Beware of the latest electronic gadget as a time waster.
  17. When spinning, ask “What is the next thing I have to do?” and do it.
  18. Build in rewards for your efforts (e.g, I will get a snack after I finish this proposal).
  19. Remove technical issues when they exist.
  20. Ensure written goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound.
  21. Practice conscious breathing. Schedule it if necessary.
  22. Decide if your tasks pass the five-year test. (What’s going to be important five years from now?)
  23. Use a time to chunk out unpleasant/large tasks 15 minutes at a time.
  24. Learn how to use your cell phone or microwave timer.
  25. Prioritize people over things.

Not all of these are practical tips for me. For example, I wouldn’t check my email before 5:30 in the morning because I’m likely sleeping, but if I don’t check it before noon, I’m at work where I really can’t view it. It’s also the primary means of contacting me during the day.

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Living Life Intentionally

~ K ~ Leave a comment

This weekend I tried (although did a rather lousy job) of taking a personal retreat in which I spent time alone, focusing on developing a full life plan, which resulted in an outline of my priorities and goals in life. As a result of completing this, I had to say no to many of the things I was considering pursuing.

Image from michaelhyatt.com/life-plan

The idea of a personal retreat comes from Michael Hyatt, former CEO (and current Chairman) at Thomas Nelson. He developed a free e-book called Creating Your Personal Life Plan, adapted from Building Champions, in which he discusses the following:

  1. The Outcome of Your Life (how you want to be remembered)
  2. The Priorities in Your Life (what is important to me?)
  3. The Action Plan for Each Priority (outlining where you are and where you want to be)
    1. Purpose Statement (your purpose with each priority)
    2. Envisioned Future (how you ideally see yourself with interacting with each priority)
    3. Supporting Verse (if applicable, or perhaps a quote that motivates and inspires you)
    4. Current Reality (how does what is happening now stack up to your envisioned future?)
    5. Specific Commitments (developing a practical plan to move from current reality to envisioned future)

Hyatt recommends reviewing your life plan quarterly but following up on your specific commitments weekly to make sure that you are accomplishing what you need to accomplish toward your envisioned future.

When I think of Jesus, I think of a man who lived his life on earth intentionally and with a purpose. He didn’t do things haphazardly or “nilly willy.” If this is the example that Jesus has set for his followers, why do we as Christians simply bumble along in life simply trying to survive?