What I’ve Learned about Time Management

For whatever reason, good or bad, I’ve spent a lot of time attempting to learn to use my time wisely.

Recently, I wrote about handling email and putting a system in place to make email and technology a time saver instead of a time waster. After only a month to test it, I am thrilled with the progress I’ve made so far.

If you would like additional ideas about dealing with emails, you can read these two articles: http://waylonbailey.com/2014/03/13/too-many-tos-and-not-enough-dos/    http://waylonbailey.com/2014/03/20/how-i-handle-email/

This is what I have learned recently about time management.

First, you have to own your time, schedule, and technology. You can’t let it own you. Without a determined system in place, my schedule tends to own me. I’m working hard to take it back.

Second, clutter creates real problems for my creativity and productivity. Here’s the problem: I tend to be a pack rat. Therefore, I must work deliberately to cut the clutter and keep my desk(s) clean and efficient.

Third, organization is my friend. When everything has a place, my working efficiency is much better.

Fourth, simple plans work best for me. My most recent attempt is to clean out my inbox each night and keep an electronic to do list. At the same time, I’ve had to accept that my inbox won’t stay empty. That’s okay. It is really not meant to be empty. It helps me stay in touch and stay productive–that’s why it exists.

Finally, I need a schedule for my creative responsibilities. Therefore, I know when I prepare for our men’s breakfast, Wednesday worship, the weekend sermon, and when I wrote this blog. I call this a rhythm for my life. For whatever reason, this schedule works for me.

As with any plan, you must work the plan. Carrying out a ministry or working a job is not easy. It calls for hard work and determined effort. I pray God will bless your work and effort.

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9 Responses

  1. I am a clutter bug, try to do too many jobs before completing one and putting it away, more detail than necessary.. I looking forward to reading more of your plans. Thank you for sharing.

  2. Thanks for sharing your plan for managing your time. I am also a pack-rat and a procrastinator. It is easy to say I will do something later, but later doesn’t always come. One of the best things I find is having a “to-do” list each day. That helps me keep focused on what I need to do, and I love to be able to mark off things on my list. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy your blog each morning. Thanks, again !

  3. Thanks for sharing! I can totally relate when it come to being a pack-rat and a procrastinator! Thanks again for sharing!! Love reading your blog.

  4. Clutter in my surroundings clutters my mind. So don’t ask me any questions if you see my desk is a mess! 🙂 I am trying to become a minimalist………………….

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