book.chapter Rethink time use

Time is the most precious resource we have. How we choose to spend it shapes the quality and productivity of both our personal and professional lives. By learning to manage our time more effectively, we can take control and intentionally direct our lives in a positive direction. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, yet some people accomplish significantly more than others. This is because they have implemented organizational systems and habits that enable them to use their time wisely towards their most important goals and priorities. When we feel overwhelmed by everything we have to do, it's usually a sign that our time is not being spent intentionally. Taking a step back to evaluate how we currently allocate our hours is the first step to improvement. On a regular basis, we should ask ourselves questions like: What responsibilities deserve my focus right now? What activities are moving me forwards towards my objectives? What habits or tasks are not adding value and can be eliminated? The goal is to simultaneously become more efficient, by eliminating wasted time, and more effective, by spending our freed up time on high-priority responsibilities that align with our mission. By proactively planning our days and weeks around clear priorities, we steer our lives rather than simply reacting to whatever comes our way. This prevents our time from being hijacked by less meaningful demands. It also reduces stress and leads to greater job satisfaction. When employees feel empowered to organize their work in a way that supports both professional and personal life, they tend to be more motivated, responsible, and productive team members. So where should we start in building an effective time management system? First, surround ourselves with organized, high-performing people who share our values and priorities. Their good habits and can-do mindset will rub off. Next, clearly communicate responsibilities and expectations, for ourselves and others, so there is no room for ambiguity or confusion. Anticipate future needs and practice response plans. Schedule space for the unexpected things that inevitably come up. Get into the habit of capturing EVERY task and commitment into our calendar system right away, and repeatedly asking "What's the next step?" to keep moving forward. By implementing such practices, we transform from passive reactors to proactive directors of our destiny. Disciplined time management is the most crucial skill for personal and professional success. It enables us to make a bigger difference through our work while also creating time for the people and activities that matter most. The future belongs to those who show up for it. We must therefore be intentional about how we spend our time, the stuff that life is made of.