Have yourself a little bit more time

by Washington Paul Uduk

Ever wondered how one individual seems to get so much done and another individual of equal capability doesn't get as much done even though both have 24 hours in a day?

If you answered yes, you are not alone. Many of us have encountered colleagues, friends, siblings etc that deliver such amazing results that leave us wondering whether or not we actually have equal amount of hours in a day as these people.

Being a recent graduate, I recall firsthand how scores of students turned up in class rooms at night to study. Some read with so much intensity it scared me. Then it occurred to me; why is it so many of these students (myself inclusive) read but only a few ended up with really amazing results. Cal Newport would later reveal that it was in how (in what way) these students spent their time (in this case; study time) that mattered. I applied his teachings and turned things around significantly.

Now, Back to Time Management! Many of us dread the concept; some will even shiver when it is mentioned. A handful will be thrilled to hear that there is no such thing! I love how Tim Ferriss put it in his book (The 4-Hour work-week); “Forget about it!” It shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that it’s impossible to "manage" time. It is one tricky asset millions can’t seem to get their hands on. We have it in so much abundance; so much that many of us think and act of it as being infinitely available to us.

Here’s what Sandra Felton referred to Time Management as: Self Management. I know. It doesn’t sound any more appealing but a shift in perspective really does its wonders. Think about it! Managing ourselves seems to be more realistic and tangible.

Here are a few tips to guide you in your path to proper self management

1.         Give Priority to your Priorities.

Most of us live in a clutter of activities and do not know the difference between the activities that aid our productivity to those that are utterly useless. It’s imperative to make a list of things we find important and base the activities of our days on those things. If trouble comes with making a decision on which activity is important, use the Tournament Format to narrow activities down to the four most important. Keep in mind the Parento’s principle: 80% of the output gotten from an activity comes from 20% of its input. The need to stick to the important becomes paramount with that in mind. To do this, use Priority Quadrant made popular by Stephen R, Covey in his book: 7 habits of highly effective people.

Priority Quadrant

2.         Manage Distractions

One stealer of time is procrastination, but many of us can’t help it. There are too many entertaining distractions around and we can’t seem to keep them off. One rule to keep in mind that can help put procrastination at bay is Parkinson’s Law: A task will swell in perceived importance and complexity in relation to the time allotted to its completion. Shortening the time allotted to a project creates time pressure that forces us to focus on its execution, doing only the bare essentials of the project and keeping trivial things aside. Parkinson’s rule only helps in amplifying the importance of a project, it does not necessarily turn off the distractions we come across such as habitually checking unimportant e-mail, making and returning phone calls, personal errands, instant messaging etc. Limit e-mailing to once or twice a day. It would help to turn off audible and visual notifications for email and instant messages, attending to them only at a set time of the day. Learn to limit idle talk or chit-chat in phone calls and in-person conversations. Be very selective of the information you receive: stay away from long hours watching the news. Dump non-productive projects as soon as you discover their non-productivity.  

3.         Wisely implement multitasking.

If not doing anything due to procrastination steals our time, trying to do too much at the same time robs our productivity. Many would vow that multitasking works wonders. It is my opinion that it does but only if it is implemented wisely. Its doesn't do anyone any good to chat via BBM or Whatsapp while studying or watch the fifth episode of Game of Throne while preparing a presentation. Focus on one complex task at a time. A second activity need only be added if it doesn't require so much focus and attention such listening to music while driving.

4.         Use a Schedule.

Schedules come in a variety of forms: annual schedules, monthly schedule, weekly schedule, daily schedule etc. The powerhouse of productivity is strengthened in knowing how to integrate the various forms of schedules. Record routines and add reminders to long term routines such as dry-cleaning the curtains

In managing ourselves to becomes more productive with each passing second, its important that we remain flexible. Nobody can foretell for sure what the future brings. A vast amount of material on time management is available. I highly recommend Organizing Your Day by Sandra Felton.

Thanks for reading. If you are ever interested in any book you come across on BasicPulse. Send an email to p_uduk@yahoo.com communicating your interest.