How to Manage Your Time – Father Time and You
How to manage your time might be one of the biggest secrets about the “rich and famous” that Mister and Missus average do not use properly. So let’s go and look at what “Wikipedia” says about time management.
“Time management is the act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities,especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity.”
My friend and mentor Willie Jolley wrote a book “It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life” that has helped me change my way of thinking about time and how I use my time. Have you ever thought about this: a minute used wisely becomes one hour used wisely, then a month, and then it become years. In his book he also says that at any point of time,one single minute can be a starting point of building your dreams.
Before we go over to see how you can better manage your time, ponder this little story from Africa:
“Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up and knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed and eaten. Also in Africa a lion wakes up and knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death. It does not
matter if you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you better start running.” ~Willie Jolley~
So let’s start to run our time wisely to get to our dreams and goals, just like the Steve Jobs, Jim Rohn’s, Walt Disney’s, and many others have done with their time, because we all sit with the same amount of time.
Let’s first take a look at some tips for time management, and then I will show you what I use to become friends with Father Time.
1) Make a list of the tasks you need to accomplish
2) Assign realistic priorities to each task.
• Priority 1: due today or tomorrow
• Priority 2: due in one week
• Priority 3: due in one month
• Priority 4: due next year
3) Balance your efforts. Work on small portions every day
4) Decide upon the time of day.
5) Manage time in increments. Play a game with yourself by competing against time.
• Work in fifteen minute, half hour or hour intervals.
• Give yourself a time limit to complete a portion of a task or the entire task.
6) Take a break. Clear your mind and refresh yourself to refocus.
• Decide beforehand on a 5, 10 or 15 minute break and stick to that decision.
• During your break, reassess to develop a new perspective
• Breaks provide incentive by giving you something to look forward to.
7) Keep track of your progress.
• Cross things off the list as they are completed.
• You’ll feel more relieved and relaxed just by getting through the daily tasks.
• This will give you a sense of accomplishment and spur motivation.
8) Reassess the list.
• Rewrite and reprioritize your list as needed
• Add new tasks to the list.
• Eliminate certain tasks
• Delegate tasks to others.
• Use technology to complete tasks more quickly, efficiently or accurately.
9) Make sure to leave time for fun, it doesn’t have to be a lot of time but make sure that you do!
10) Sleep for 6-8 hours every night. If you don’t sleep for the proper amount of time, you’ll probably suffer from lack of concentration and focus, and that won’t allow you to function well.
I know that you might think, Theuns how am I going to remember all these ten points that you gave me? Remember, I said that I am going to show you what I use to win time. To do that, I am using a to-do list software program that my good friend Gavin Mountford has created to help people become masters of time. It is called “The Results Machine.”
With this amazing Results Machine almost all ten points that I just gave you are built into the program. To hear what I think about it and how it has helped me to manage my time better, just watch my short video.
I want to end of this post with this Quote From Benjamin Mays:
“I have only just a minute, only 60 seconds in it,Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it,But it’s up to me to use it.I must suffer if I lose it,Give account if I abuse it,Just a tiny little minute,But eternity is in it.“
~ Benjamin Mays~
What are you going to do with your minute?
I hope I could help you with “How to Manage Your Time” , thank you for all your Great comments and Feedback.
Great Job!! Loved your article. Thanks so much for posting it. Now to enmesh all of this into my daily habits of living!! Now there is my challenge!!
THX Mary
I hope you start with the habits the sooner the better.
Regards
Theuns
Theuns, hello there! I completely agree with you… taking 10 to 15 minutes away for something we have been concerntrating on can really bring about a benefit of refreshed concentration. Just a short walk in the fresh air can be all that’s required sometimes. I’m quite terrible for siiting for hour at me pc without taking a break… so I’ll be off for small walk now that you’ve reminded me!
Sadie-Michaela Harris would like you to read Infographic of Changes as Facebook Pages Switch to Timelines on Friday 30th March 2012
Not so bad at all…pretty nice to hear that taking my time for a hobby helps me manage my time in a better way. Normally I would think the other way around. I feel I should try this right away…wait, I am actually doing it right now!
Laura would like you to read Waiting for Easter in London
Not so bad…pretty nice to hear that taking my time for a hobby helps me manage my time in a better way. Normally I would think the other way around. I feel I should try this right away…wait, I am actually doing it right now!
Laura would like you to read Waiting for Easter in London
Theuns,
Your always surprising me with great content. I love the use of time and managing daily task.
I have been blessed to learn this skill at an early age. I now use my computer program given on every computer today. Calendar and it does it all at no additional cost. This comes in handy when you just start your first business.
Everything you stated is in there. You create daily task and review them before you shut down for each day. You adjust when things pop up as they always do.
The perfect tool at no additional cost. Priceless information given.
Theuns, your a great supporter of the masses. Your one of our best visionaries in this industry. I look forward to your new article soon.
William Earl Amis Jr III would like you to read Your Passion Is Your Business
Thanks for sharing your useful advices, they could really help me, because I am always in trouble when I need to manage my time efficiently.
Julie would like you to read dental implants
ohhh really julie……Same as you julie……This is my big weakness that i am not able manage time systematically.Now a days we should need to make multifaceted and time manager to adjust the time efficiently….
klip
Thx Jullie I am glad I could Help you.
Hi Theuns,
Thanks for sharing this great post on time. I liked your video too! This is a great example of rich content because you provided practical tips to having more control over time and being more efficient. (I’ve heard that we can’t manage time, but time manages us…but we can sure try!)
You introduced Gavin’s Results Machine and I have been planning on purchasing it, but I was so excited to find out that I won it in Gavin’s contest! I just started using it…it certainly is an excellent product! Thanks for sharing.
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn would like you to read What’s Your Money Attitude?
Theuns,
great post on time management. In addition to making a list and prioritizing it, I read in another post that you should make up a list of the 3 things that MUST be done TODAY! That way, no matter what happens, you got three important things done each day — the three most important things.
I also like the idea of using a timer. Set for 15 minutes. Work for 15 minutes and take a break for 10-15 minutes. While working work, no email, no Facebook. When you are on a break, take a real break. This helps to avoid procrastination (cause anybody can work for 15 minutes, at least, correct?) and keeps you really sharp because anyone, even someone with ADHD can stay focused for 15 minutes, right?
Having said that, Gavin’s time machine that you recommend, sounds like such a great tool for managing one’s time, especially if you work for yourself as many of us do.
~ Jupiter Jim
Jupiter Jim@Thesis Tutorial, Thesis Theme, WordPress Tutorial would like you to read Thesis Tutorial: Add Google Analytics to Thesis Theme 1.8.4 and WordPress 3.3.1
Thank Jim
I am glad that you like my post and i agree what you say about the 15 min brake,
Regards
Theuns
Hi Theuns
This is really serendipity that I would pick TODAY to read your post! I got contacted by Gavin that I WON his “Double Your Business Productivity” Contest and get 4 hours of private time management coaching with him. I love his Results Machine, and everything he teaches on time productivity! It’s making a difference in what I get done for sure. I notice that I don’t wander aimlessly online anymore, but take one task at a time now. It’s cut a ton of time off my day.
You are so right with everything you mention in your post, especially knowing what your priorities are and working on them one by one!
Your Friend,
Laura
Laura Morris would like you to read Top 10 Ways Ways to Ensure a Growing MLM Business
Hi Laura
Thanks for your great reply, Well I ges Gavin pick a man and woman that is the winners
because I did let me know also that i am a winner wow i love the Results machine.
Regards
Theuns
Hi Theuns, I think making time for fun is one of the most important ones on your list. It makes such a difference to me, if I go for a walk or a swim or just go outside and relax for awhile.
Regards from Julieanne
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Some great tips there Theuns – I must admit I was terrible for “tidying my office” and “getting ready for business” in the early days of working from my office – a bit different from now, when every spare minute is used to move my business forward in some way.
Each night I make myself a list of what I need to do for the morning and then I highlight three tasks that I cannot go to bed until I have done them! Makes me work super fast and still have time to do the school run and spend time with the children.
Great post, thanks for sharing your tips on Old Father Time!
Nicky
Nicky would like you to read Online Video Marketing–7 Quick Tips for MLM Leads
Hi Nicy
Thanks for the great comment , I am glad you did win time
the 3 most important thing make sens to me
Back lol
enjoy life.
Regards
Theuns
Thanks for writing this Theuns, Time slips away if wer are not careful and so it’s very important to structure our lives while keeping time. I especially like your tip on listing your tasks for the day and tracking progress.
Thanks Ashley
I am glad i could help and that you like my post
Regards
Theuns
These are some awesome time management tips Theuns. I really like your idea of working in half-hour or hour intervals and focusing on finishing up portions of tasks within the time limit. It can give a sense of relief as little tasks or portions get done.
Definitely, this article should be read and re-read to make the most of the tips you offered.
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Hi Sarah
I am glad the tips help, and i hope you will come back to do some Re-reading
Regards
Theuns
Theuns,
What a wonderful list of tips for time management. I have experienced Gavin’s methods for managing my time and my emails and have benefitted greatly.
For me, I often discover that things take longer than expected and I sometimes take on more than I can easily handle. So I really need to prioritize. What sometimes gets shortchanged is my sleep. But that doesn’t last too long because my body reminds me to take a break and relax.
I think it is important to pay attention to details, prioritize, and also to pay attention to your emotions and the messages in your body. We need to balance work and play, essential and current tasks with less currently important and long term tasks.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone would like you to read 12 Incredible TED Talks on Your Health
Thanks Dr Erica
You are always some one to look up to, on this very moment i need to take a brake LOL
Regards
Theuns
Great tips, Theuns! Time management is a tough one! You are so right with that last one. Get enough sleep, and the whole day looks better and goes much more smoothly.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling would like you to read Eagle’s Perspective
Some great points that I can really make sure I use!! I do use the Results Machine and should do some more often,, I know how much I get done when I do use it! Great post, Theuns!
Holly would like you to read Hooked Into Another Weight Loss Miracle?
I love that technology can make us more efficient, Theuns.
Whatever it takes to keep my feet to the fire, I’m on it!
One of the main reasons I see my students drop out of their pursuits before reaching their goals is that they just can’t be consistent in their efforts. Translation: they can’t manage their time, so they feel overwhelmed and defeated without ever giving full effort.
David Merrill would like you to read Your Gravatar and Personal Brand
Hi Theuns,
Time is never enough for me, every day I barely conclude my daily list, thanks for these great tips eventhough I will need to bookmark your post in order to visit it often and check the process, thanks for sharing all these great advices…
Kostas would like you to read How List Building Can Help Your Business
Time is our most precious commodity. We can not add or subtract one second to it. So how come, some people master the use of their time to great advantage and some don’t? Delegate is my biggest issue. Thanks so much for your insight, it is systematic and easy to apply.
alicia@yboggle would like you to read Sometimes even “Bad Days” can become The Best of Times!
These are great tips on time management, Theuns. This has been one of my issues for a long time, this managing of time. I would make lists of things to do, but when it came to doing them i would realize that I had not allotted myself anywhere near enough time to complete them.
So then i would be irritated with myself and blame the system. but when I figured out that there were only so many hours in a day, and that I could finish what I wanted to by simply cutting down on the number of things I was going to give myself to do and by doing only one thing at a time, I had great success with management.
Thank you for helping me today with this post to get myself back on track.
Michael would like you to read A Cup Of Instant Coffee
Hello Gavin
Time management is one of those skills no one teaches you in school but you have to learn. Your story of the gazelle and the lion illustrates the importance of proper time management. “What are you going to do with your minute?”, is an important question to ask. I find myself not asking that question and the results is the lion catches me. Thanks for sharing the concept of Time Boxing. Theuns, I agree the “The Results Machine.” is an amazing program for time management.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry Davis would like you to read Network Marketers! What is your most important tool?
Great post Theuns…
This used to be my biggest weeknes. I so easily get sucked in to all kind of stupid things. But after I became a father I really had to shape up and get effective.
I love the advice you give here… I have another aspect aswell that I find work great for me. I manage energy instead of time. This way of thinking shifts my focus from to to the qulity of what I do.
same thing I know, but for me it makes a HUGE difference. As you say one minute spend well can be so powerful.
I can really recommend “ther power of ful engangement” if you haven’t already read it.
Thanks for reminding me of this important point
(I actually stopped to take my break before I commented thanks to the topic;o)
all the best
brian
Brian Lagoni would like you to read The Power of Presuppositions
Great information Theuns, I am working a time management program myself and I can tell you that my productivity has gone up quite a bit. And to top if all off, now that I am working more productively I am also having more fun doing what I am doing and seeing great results.
Clint Butler would like you to read MLM Sponsoring Tips
Wonderful article Theuns! And I must say, I love the quote by Benjamin Mays. That is a keeper for me. I always struggle with using my time wisely. All your points are excellent and worth putting to practice into our lives so that we can be more productive.
Thanks a bunch!
Lynn
Lynn Jones would like you to read I Just Love Quotes!
Very nice quotes. Time management is what makes people succesful. Deciding how much to spend on activities. I really liked the quotes especially about the gazelle and lions. We must start running today.
Jacob would like you to read Pinterest Marketing For More Traffic, Branding and Sales
Terrific tips Theuns. I work a lot with time management and priorities, and one thing I know for sure – you won’t value your time, until you value yourself. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Theuns,
Many thanks for giving such great advice. I really like the way you explain it by what is your exact purpose for your day. Also it is important to divide your tasks in bite size chunks that you can achieve . Take care Rosemary
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Theuns,
That sounds like a very good book. I think I would like to read it. I don’t even HAVE a “to do” list. Hmmm, guess I need to start at square one. Thanks for keeping my learning process on track. One of these days I might just act on some of this great advice! LOL
Thanks!,
Tom
Tom Burt would like you to read Lent and Our Preparation for Easter , Part 2
After all these years, I have put together a regimen that works for me. I tend to be creative at night time, so it does make a damper on my family life and with my son… well, it did until I stopped working on the weekends. Having a set schedule and a to-do list are huge things for me.
All of these are great tips on time management.
Nile would like you to read 6 Basic Ways to Becoming a Better Blogger
Hi Theuns,
Oh boy do I feel guilty. Just when I thought I had my time management all together, another project comes up and I have to re-do my schedule.
I must agree with Steve, that I have to re-read this post to let it sink in my head and also put to use Gavin’s tool. Will I do it every day? Probably not. So I’ll go back and read it again.
Thank you for this great formula to follow,
Donna Merrill
Donna Merrill would like you to read Love And The Entrepreneur
Hi Theuns:
Great thoughts and tips about time management. The thing that always gets me motivated is remembering that time is a commodity and once it is spent you can’t get it back. I want to invest my time wisely!
Thanks!
Kevin
Kevin Martineau would like you to read The disease of discontentment
Oh my God! You mean I need time to sleep as well.
I find as long as I don’t start dreaming of something new, I have enough time. Now I am on a new path, I am so excited, I am not sleeping much. I feel that sense of achievement and learning. Aha! Yes more time out for me. Thanks for the reminder.
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That is the appropriate weblog for anybody who needs to search out out about this topic. You realize a lot its nearly hard to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You positively put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply great!
Thx Sandra
Well, as you well know, my friend, and as I have admitted to you on numerous occasions, time management is a perpetual thorn in my flesh, HA! I probably need to read and re-read this post at least once every day, if I can just find the time to do it. And then I need to put Gavin’s great tool to use! Of course, if I’m reading this blog post more than once a day, I may not have time to do that! <<>>
Great article Theuns! Thanks!
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