TIME is a measure of experience in eternity. Yesterday’s time is gone forever, and will never come back. Of all the resources available, one may be less conscious of time as it flows like a river; but time is the scarcest for one cannot rent, hire, buy or otherwise obtain more time. The supply of time is totally inelastic. No matter how high or more you want or demand of it, the supply of time will be the same.
Everything requires time. All work takes place in time and uses up time. Yet most people take for granted this unique, irreplaceable and necessary resource. Nothing else perhaps distinguishes an effective person as much as his tender loving care of time.
Each of us must pay particular attention to this precious resource as use of time may contribute little or nothing to the result, output or productivity – that of managing one’s life. Therefore, we must start with the task of properly allocating time, of finding out where the time goes, eliminating those things that need not be done at all and are purely time-wasters, and those that someone else could do or be delegated.
A productive person demands more time. It is crucial to the productivity that we must develop effective techniques for dealing with time and getting things done. Top time management specialist agree on two basic concepts that direct and control the use of time: setting of priorities and the allocation of time.
- Setting Priorities
One starts time management by making up a list, “to do” list, itemizing or making details of the things that one has to do over a period of time ( a day, a week, a month, a quarter or a year ). If the period is long, naming of specific task is not necessary instead only long-term objectives or general areas of action plan. Definition of the tasks could be done in later listings. Having done the “to do” list, one must set priorities. This may sound easy but it’s not, for it entails decision-making. The methods of setting priorities are:
- Rank them according to High or Low priority items
- Categorize them according to Importance and Urgency
- Classify them according to its Value
The priorities must be continually reviewed and revaluated in the light of changing realities.
- Allocation of Time
Instead of seeing yourself slaving over a difficult project, imagine how finishing the job would enhance your career. The key is to want to do the things that you have to do. We can do things to our advantage with enthusiasm because we can clearky see the gains we receive from doing them.
Do not mix business with pleasure. Set aside a separate space and time for every purpose. When we designate divisions between work and personal life, we can give more focused attention to each.
Be realistic and aware of the limitations of your time frame. Allow a time cushion. Don’t let memories of past failures interfere your progress for the day. Avoid any willingness to make a compromise. If we cannot manage time, we cannot manage anything.
There is only one thing in the universe that we can be certain of improving, and that is our own selves. Man is not the creature of circumstances but circumstances are the creatures of men. Plan for the future because that is where we are going to spend for the rest of our lives.
