Simpleology Blog

If you think you understand what "time management" is all about, then you're making a big mistake. Time is simply one of those things that just cannot be "managed."

Panic Attacks
Yet, we've all had that awful feeling of regret when we think that we're "wasting time" or "not using my time wisely."

In these instances--be it at home or at work--we usually scramble to catch up. Of course, we just end up making a mess out of everything because we let our obsession with time management get the best of us.

Habit Management
Instead of trying to manage time, we'd all be much better off focusing on something else that we can manage.

Instead of trying to beat the clock all the time, we should concentrate on performing our tasks efficiently. Simply put: We should concentrate on task management instead of time management.

Core Knowledge
In the long run, only those who have refined their task management practices can achieve above-average levels of productivity. In order to get on the right track right now, you have to master these seven core practices:

1. Capturing. This involves entering new items that you need to do into a specific place or places in your system called capture points--which could range from a simple (and realistic) to-do list on a notepad to detailed correspondence sent to your email.

2. Emptying. This involves clearing out your capture points at defined moments in the day. For instance, you can schedule checking and answering your email just twice a day, spending strictly one hour at each time.

3. Tossing. In the course of Emptying, you can also trash the items that are not relevant to you. Don't get attached to the clutter or it will overwhelm you before you know it.

4. Storing. Also in the process of Emptying, you can put away or segregate necessary information such as your address book or separate email folders. Don't succumb to procrastination or you'll end up wasting time looking for the information you need later on.

5. Acting Now. If there are urgent concerns that come up while you are Emptying, you should prioritize them and take immediate action. But, keep in mind that not everything is an emergency. So, make sure that your priorities are straight. There's nothing worse than dropping all your other tasks to attend to one that won't do you any good.

6. Scheduling. Be mindful about updating your calendar when Emptying. Schedules usually get lost in the shuffle.

7. Listing. Refresh your task list as you are Emptying. The fact that you're done for the day is a good thing--but it also means that new tasks will be taking their place.

Practice Sessions
Understanding these practices is the first and primary step to maximizing the time you have. You just have to commit to improving your execution of the said practices. And, yes, you have to be consistent at all times if you want some peace of mind at the end of each day.

If you manage your tasks well, then time (or the lack thereof) will cease to be an issue.

Credits: Photo from Cuckoo Clocks.

The author owns a Florida-based management consulting firm. Visit him at his website, 2Time: Time Management 2.0.

Suggested Resource: Can't seem to find time to do everything you need to do? Use the Daily Time Praxis in Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want.