Have you ever noticed that even the best time management techniques, systems or methods never seem to work?
Believe me, I've tried them all - day planners, desk calendars, egg timers, computerized reminders, etc, etc etc. If there's a good time management tip out there, I've tried it. And I've come to one very obvious conclusion about them all...
The failure is not in the system or the method, its in the implementation. Almost any decent time management technique will work - if you implement it properly.
Applying the great tips we learn, or putting a new system in place for getting organized and managing our time more efficiently, requires change. The main problem being that new habits are as hard to create as old habits are to break.
It's not that difficult to get organized, but for most people its nearly impossible to stay organized. There are simple ways to lose weight, yet the majority struggle following the plan and maintaining their weight. Even smokers know that quitting is easy (we do it all the time!) - its constantly starting back that becomes a problem.
Old habits die hard. And that's just as true with Time Management and Organization as it is with anything else in our lives.
If you truly want to get a handle on your schedule, your goals and your time then you have to be prepared to make serious changes in your routine. It requires being consistently persistent about making deliberate changes.
The one key being that you make the right changes.
What works for one person may not work for the next, not because of the technique itself but because of our personal goals and our individual strengths. The best thing that you can do is determine what will work best for you.
There is only one person that I know that actually addresses this point in a step-by-step guide to becoming more organized and efficient: Julie Morgenstern. And actually she has two books out, for each of those all-important topics:
Organization and Time Management often feel like a cycle of madness. In one huge burst of energy you get everything in perfect order... only to find yourself sitting there one week later with piles of stress and clutter all over again. Ring a bell?
True time management wont come in a tip or a dayplanner or an egg timer. It comes by developing a whole new set of habits.
The first step is to determine what the bad habits are, and kick them. That might include using systems that dont work with your personal character (ie going against the grain). Procrastination. Not delegating or automating ("do it myself" syndrome). Whatever tends to contribute most to your stress and your time issues likely falls in the 'bad habit' category.
The next step is to figure out what will work best for you, and then to do it. This is not going to come easy, and it's only going to work for those that truly want to see positive change in their lives.
It boils down to getting determined and taking action.
Keep in mind that the true purpose of time management is to ultimately reach your primary goal in life. While it can make your day to day life run much smoother in the short term, you want to make sure that you are working towards your main objective on a daily basis as well.
If you're serious about getting where you want to be 5 years from now... start today.
Best,
P.S. If you already have Julie Morgenstern's books, make it a point to read (or re-read) Time Management From The Inside Out. If you dont, put it on your Amazon order today. This is one book that can truly change your life for the better 😉
About Lynn Terry
An change is frightening, if not on a concious level then on an unconcious level, which is why many people start out enthusiatically on (insert applicable change ie time management, diet, exercise programme) and then fall back into the familiar when the going gets tough. Or they fail to act, to actually start off the process. They may read the books or buy the treadmill but they stay shut in a cupboard.
I am a great believer in starting first and then perfecting as you go along, rather than aiming for perfection and never getting started.
Thanks and it's true of almost every human being: OLD HABITS DIE HARD.
But we can’t remain doing the same thing over and over again, and expect to improve any aspect of our lives including business. No it won't work out well at all.
I will take a look at these books especially the one on organization for I am seriously lacking this department.
You wrote, "even smokers know that quitting is easy (we do it all the time!..." Do you smoke? 🙂
Yes, but I'm quitting this year 😀
I so need these books. I suffer from both a clutter problem and a time management one.
Yes, but I’m quitting this year 😀
Me too, Lynn! 😉 No really good luck with that.
I too am very able to get myself organized, and for organization can even stay on track with it. My time management skills start out great but can head south pretty quick when everyone seems to want a piece of me at the same time. 🙂
Might be a good book for me to check out.
It addresses that too, Heather - I'm re-reading it myself 😉 Julie really does have some great solutions. Since I read her organization book last year I have remodeled my entire home office - and she was right: Its MUCH more productive and efficient for me!
I'm studying her time management book again now as I'm working on some new goals (both business and personal) this year and really want to streamline things as much as humanly possible. That's what inspired this post. I was analyzing all of the systems and methods to determine the best route for me personally, and taking note of what hadnt worked for me in the past - and why.
I think whenever we try to change something our rebellious side kicks in. To change, we have to start by admitting that whatever it is isn't working for us and that can be hard. We have to step outside our comfort zones. We are also fighting against brain chemistry - when we do something habitually our brain lays down pathways so we have to continually fight against our default thought processes. To successfully make any change we have to get very clear on our why. The bigger our why, the greater the chance of success.
Okay Lynn, please try to do QUIT. You know, smoking not good for health.
Though I know it is 'enjoyable' and could be somewhat addictive which may make quiting very difficult.
Just try
Thank you Patrick 😉 I am quitting during the same time I am moving. I find that big life change (like a move) is the best time to make other changes in your life that are part of your personal routine. It makes the transition easier!
Great points, Katherine - and I agree on being very clear on the WHY. It is best to focus on the results that you want, instead of the work or the sacrifice involved.
Hi Lynn,
I am new to your blog but certainly time management is important. I always think that I can manage my time well but always still find that my projects or task schedules always overrun.
I certainly need to read this book and learn how to manage my time better.
This is a subject that is constantly on my mind since my time and organizational skills suck! Sorry for being so blunt but it's frustrating. I right away ordered those books from Julie Morgenstern. I haven't heard of her before but I need all the help I can get. 🙂 Great post as usual Lynn!
It is frustrating, Alan - I agree. I spent most of my first 10 years working in chaos, but really feel like I finally have a handle on things this last year or two - mainly since reading Julie's book on organization (you may recall I revamped my entire home office down to the desk!).
Everything you want to do takes time, and I want to do a lot 😆 so I'm working towards total efficiency. That of course includes my personal goals and my personal life - and striking a smooth balance between enjoying life and reaching my goals.
I need to talk Julie into joining us for a Webinar 😉
Okay Lynn I wish you the best and success in your endeavors this year. But if you won't find it irritating, do let us know as you move.
Cheers. 🙂
I found that the most tasks are time consuming and it is so easy to loose focus when there are so many distractions that call on ones attention.
Best Wishes,
🙂
You're right, Katherine - it's default of my thought processes!
It's true everything can be resisting the change you want to make - from others around you to your own mind.
I hope my struggle with this issue is over soon. I'd rather make money.