Allocating time for all the things that need to be done each day, week, month and year is always a challenge. There are so many conflicting needs for one's time. Work, family, volunteer activities, hobbies, sleep, entertainment, external relationships, and don't forget sleep! I'm always trying to squeeze the last drop of time out of a day. My only escape from the cares of this world is when I either watch a movie or ride the Harley. Both activities take me away from the "to dos" of this world.
So I when I saw the book The 25 Best Time Management Tools & Techniques: How to Get More Done Withot Driving Yourself Crazy I thought there might be something in those pages for me. The past few days I've been jumping around in the book going to those sections that caught my eye and are either hot buttons for me or areas that I need to work on in my life.
What I like about the book is that the sections on topics are not long dissertations on the topic. It is pretty straight forward on each subject, quick and to the point. The book is billed as a "A no-fluff, easy-to-read compilation of the best advice from the top 20 time management books."
Just a few more thoughts:
- They have a section on backward planning. I remember when I started working for Washington State Emergency Management. That time management technique was not one they were familiar with. I got blank stares when I brought it up. It was one that I had used extensively in the military. If you have a deadline that is not flexible it is a great way to orchestrate everything that needs to be done before that point in time. If you don't know what it is, try it!
- Reduce Information Overload was something that got my attention. Generally, we are overwhelmed with information these days. Figuring out what to read is a key aspect of information assimilation and doing it quickly. I use the time on my exercise bike to do much of my professional reading. At night, if I plan for it, there is another 30 minutes for reading a book. In between those events it is a constant onslaught of information coming in meetings, emails and websites. Learning to filter the sources is important. Scanning text is a great way to cover a great deal of material. If a word jumps out at you, slow down and be sure you get the context.
- Remembering the 80-20 rule is important. You will get 80% of your achievement by 20% of your effort. Making the 20% of your effort high quality is therefore an important aspect of time management. One might not be able to avoid mind-numbing meetings if they are required, but you can make the most of the other hours in your life.
- Perfection is the enemy of the good. While we strive for quality, perfection is rarely worth the effort that it takes from the other time in our life. The section in the book on delegation can help you if you suffer from a perfectionism trait.
- Measuring results keeps coming up as a topic of late, including in this book. One of the techniques I use for my staff in setting deadlines is to let them set the due dates. That gives them the freedom to work towards that end point without the artificial provision of a date--unless of course there are external forces that drive the requirement. Then, you may be back to backward planning!
- My hot button topic is Be Punctual. There is a quote in the book from Dan Kennedy, "People who can't be punctual, can't be trusted." Hmm, strong language. I prefer to be early for a meeting and bring along some reading material. Now with an iPhone or iPad that is not an issue for not having something to do while you wait for others to assemble. The "waiting for a meeting to start" is also a good time to connect personally with others who did honor the commitment to be on time.
Good luck with your own time management goals for 2012!
