There is a misguided thought that being busy is
same as making progress. With shorter deadlines, competing priorities, interruptions and even higher quality expectations, it brings today’s time challenges to another level. Yet number of hours in day has not changed.
A common mistake that most people make is not allowing for a balanced life-style. Remember, one’s overall health and wellness require attention to six important life areas:
Physical (exercise, nutrition, sleep) Intellectual (cultural, aesthetic) Social (intimate and social relationships) Emotional (expression of feelings, desires) Spiritual (quest for meaning) Career (career goal directed work)
Naturally you don’t need a required amount of activities in each of these areas, but if you neglect one entirely, you may be ignoring an important part of yourself. For example, if you set aside time for exercise you will improve your overall functioning and better manage your stress. If you take time for your intellectual growth, you will gain new perspectives on life, experience different pleasures, and be better able to focus on your goals.
Consider your biological prime time – time of day when you are at your best. Are you a morning person, a night owl, or a late afternoon whiz? Knowing when your best time is and planning to use that portion of day for your priorities is effective time management.
You can conquer procrastination using Alan Lakein’s method of “Swiss Cheese”. When avoiding something because you dread task, break it into smaller bits and do just one of those smaller tasks. If this is not possible, set a timer and work on that biggie for just 15 minutes. By doing a little at a time (I hate filing), eventually you will reach a point where you’ll want to finish it once and for all.
