In my work with clients, one of the most common topics we address is what I will call, for now, time management. This follows on the theme from last week’s message regarding the true definition of work. I closed last week’s message by stating that it is up to each of us to determine our purpose in life and that is not always easy for us to know.
Knowing our purpose and our priorities is the key to time management. Let’s look at what time management means. We all have the same 24 hours in each day: no one has more or less. The differentiator is how we utilize that time. If we are clear about our purpose and priorities, we focus our energies on those things that move us toward fulfilling our purpose. If we are NOT clear on our purpose and priorities, then we are subject to being swayed by the winds of influence. Those winds of influence are: managers, spouses, peers, social media, television, advertisements and any other source that has the ability to capture our attention and influence our thoughts. Yikes! It is rather scary to consider the sources that may influence our priorities and actions, isn’t it?
We all operate in a world in which we need to work with and support others and also receive support. Our purpose and priorities do not exist in a vacuum. However, only when we are clear about our purpose can we gain control over the ever-elusive TIME. Until then, we will wrestle with TIME, diminishing its capabilities to help us live the life we desire.