Managing Time For The First Time...

This piece is for those who are currently experiencing shortage of Time.

One of the British Queens is reported to have expressed (something similar to) these words, “There is so much time available for doing nothing, and so little to do something worthwhile.” It is believed that during her reign, foundation of British Empire got laid; an Empire that saw at least one complete century where people often remarked, “Sun does not set in British Empire!”

As a consultant, I am often required to find time for my clients. I have to point out how they need to think and reorganize their daily schedule, to conduct proposed activities. Most of them don’t like being told about managing their time. They claim we know everything that is there to know about managing time; and “We are using Time Management Techniques”, they assert. (They can be often seen scolding their subordinates, “Don’t waste my time!”) With so many PPTs floating around, so many books and articles available, companies doing internal programs, in other words with such a wide spread exposure, some people are bound to develop that feeling and become complacent. Just one day of satisfactorily conducting your to-do-list is enough trigger complacency.

So what can be attempted by those who are experiencing shortage of time?

They need to begin managing their time, more ruthlessly than yesterday. For this sit down and in 10 minutes time write what method you would use to manage your time for next four days. This may be followed by another 10 minute review at the end of four days. Then rewrite the method to be used for another four days. Do not worry if there are holidays or weekends in between. Your time is more precious during such breaks.

Finally, you may be ruthlessly pursuing your method, yet be more polite to others with whom you have to interact.