Definition of Time Management

Does the photo at the right kindof resemble how you feel if you--gasp!--DARE try to take time away from your day for yourself?

Well, guess what, depending on what your Definition of Time Management is will depend on how you feel when you try to re-energize.

What do I mean by that?

Well, your definition could be something like "Getting everything on my list done for work, home and personal life."

But let me ask you--Do you think that is a reasonable definition? How about attainable? Desirable? Healthy? I could go on and on.

Let's be realistic, In most cases it can simply boil down to "More or Less".

For instance:
More time for "me"
Less time stressing
More time for exercising
Less time wasting precious time
More time for enjoying life
Less time wishing things were different
More time to play with kids/dogs/spouse

And, you know, sometimes you just don't really KNOW how you would define Time Management--it's just a "catch phrase" you hear other people spouting about.

But, for the sake of fantasy, take a moment and really think--think hard--about what YOUR Definition of Time Management looks like.

My Definition of Time Management is "Strategies, techniques, tools, and tips for managing my time in such a way as I, not some unforeseen force, is in control of what I accomplish in a set period of time--whether it be an hour, day, month, or even year."

Furthermore, the things I WANT or NEED to get accomplished gets accomplished. An integral part of my Definition of Time Management is this--I get to choose what is most important in my life and I plan (actively, through the above measures) to get it done.

Finally, because of managing my time wisely. I have more time for the things I want to do, yet don't need to go on a to-do list (the kids don't appreciate being on a list).

How's that for a definition--Not bad, if I do say so myself.

There Must Be A Better Way
How often have you said that?

Face it,
We're humans. Life wouldn't be worth living if there were no hope that things could get better.

To attain this "better life"
We're always searching for that next ultimate-super-mega program or secret recipe that is going to turn our lives around, have us up for the day and drinking our morning coffee at 4:21 am, then putting in a full and productive day without so much as the need for a nap.

Ok, so that's a little over the top
But you must admit that you know There Must Be A Better Way and it starts with a definition.

1. Structuring my life in such a way as to take care of as many things as I can--including my family.

2. Creating a schedule where I am productive but not overloaded everyday

3. Creating partitions in my life and striving to be productive--by however I define productive--in the roles of employee, spouse, and parent.

4. Since I can't do everything and be everything to everyone, I will be the one to choose what gets put aside.

Here's an assignment, over the next few days just think about what YOUR Definition of Time Management is. What do you want to accomplish? What are you tired of? What needs to change?

When you are ready there are tools to help you become more Time Management savvy.

One of my favorites is below--Check it out! Be sure to scroll down to where you see "See it in action" and watch the video. It's a whopping 9 minutes and 27 seconds but hey, I'm a visual person for understanding things and even though I love to read I couldn't have read that fast.