A couple of years ago, I decided to stop grinding my coffee beans. I found I could make a great cup of coffee buying ground coffee. Some of you may say it makes a big difference, but I don’t think it makes a hill of beans! All jokes aside, part of the reason I ceased the ritual of bean grinding was to save a little time each morning. No more pouring beans into the grinder, then scooping out the ground coffee and having to clean the grinder.
There are many things where I do not choose to take a shortcut. For example, when I am working on one of my paintings, it takes all of the time I can give it to create something I am pleased with. Or when making a traditional Thanksgiving meal, I adhere to the step-by-step process to deliver a gourmet delight. But think about some things you are doing that are just not necessary and can give you back precious time.
One of the exercises in my leadership training is to ask everyone to keep track of their time for a week. At the end, everyone evaluates where they are spending their time. I ask, “Does your time log really line up with your goals?”
Here are three things I know about time:
- The things to do will always be greater than the time available.
- Time is life—it must be used wisely.
- Time management is choosing the right thing to do and doing it.
To tackle time management, you have to start with setting your personal goals. Schedule your time so that you are making measurable progress on your goals. Then, act on your schedule. The target is meaningful accomplishment and personal fulfillment. Most people I know put off goal setting because of fear of failure, lack of time to concentrate on big goals and a lack of “how-to’s.” Remember, goals come from needs and desires.
I am all for tossing a schedule aside to do the spontaneous, interesting and fun things that serendipitously come our way. However, setting your target goals and working toward them prevents a mediocre life. It provides direction and purpose for life and personal motivation.
Following my goals day by day.
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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