Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Q: I have a tough time with time management. Is there a good way to stop wasting time without getting into some complicated system that I won’t follow?
ACE Advises: The difference between wasting time and investing time is intentional action — clarifying what you are going to do, thinking through the steps to take and then putting the intended steps into action.
A cautionary word here about terminology. “Goals” and “deadlines” are popular in superficial conversation, but they pale a bit when it’s time to actually do something.
The word goal is useful only when it is immediately linked to intentionality. The goal is the desired outcome, but is it described in concrete terms, suitable to support practical working actions?
What are those do-able actions that can realistically be expected to bring it about? Is it tied to a future moment we call a deadline?
This process shouldn’t be complex, but we often avoid it because it’s uncomfortable to task ourselves with new responsibilities. Maybe we had secretly expected to just coast along today. Now we’re threatening to interrupt that habitual activity.
So, insert a little discipline. Keep focusing on the value of the intended outcome, and thinking of the quickest and simplest way to make it happen.
Once you’ve accomplished something, however minor, you’ll feel a little burst of satisfaction. Put that mood to work — find another modest task you’ve been intending to do. Do it.
This process develops positive momentum of its own, but it is fragile and it needs encouragement. Your continuing attention is all it takes, not a lot of effort, just keep intending and doing those little things.
Jim Milliken is a Portland-based management consultant. He can be contacted at jim@millikenproject.com.
The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value “Success through Collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments