The secret of effective time management
Written by Alex Poeter
In the age of the internet and social media, with all of its distractions, effective time management has become a high priority for many. I’ve studied and experimented with lots of approaches over the years, and while many of them can be effective in the short-term, I know of few people who have been able to sustain a time management system for a longer period. Are you one of those people? I am. And what’s really helped me is the realization that time management is actually an inside game.
One thing I’ve noticed is that different time management approaches help me in different situations. While sometimes it’s important to arrange a list of tasks based on upcoming deadlines, other times it’s more important to prioritize tasks based on the urgent needs of those I’m serving through my work. On other occasions I might need to create space in my schedule for unanticipated things to come up. Or I may need to create space for uninterrupted time to create content or develop a new project.
The key is to understand that our needs change and that the needs of those who we’re serving through our work change, and that these variables impact our time management. Most time management approaches, however, try to control what often can’t be controlled. This can make us stressed and anxious, interfering with our ability to be productive. So, trying to fit something that keeps changing into a rigid time management system isn’t likely going to be sustainable. While time management systems can certainly be helpful, whatever system we use must be adaptable and nimble so it can support us and not the other way around.
It’s also important to consider the state of mind we’re in when it comes to time management. It’s very different to work on a task that feels meaningful and brings us joy than when we’re in a state of resistance, tension or scarcity. One condition allows us to experience flow, which means that what we’re working on feels more effortless, while the other condition decreases our ability to function optimally. That’s why it’s crucial that whenever we notice that we’re not functioning optimally, we step back, calm ourselves down and clear our mind. Once we’re in a calm state of mind, we can gain clarity about how to best use our time because our deeper wisdom can come through to guide us. As a result we might want to renegotiate a deadline, reschedule a meeting, or ask for support.
Just the understanding that effective time management is an inside-out and not an outside-in process, and that it’s more about “managing ourselves,” can be a true game changer. So, I want to invite you to try this out and approach your tasks today from a place of undivided attention, purpose, service and joy. And if you’re struggling with getting everything on your to-do list done, try to get into a calm state of mind and tune into your inner wisdom for guidance. It has an answer for every question and a solution for every problem.