The one resource⏳
Clock | Scarcity | Frog
Last week, I talked about one of the most fundamental skills today, being resourceful. This week, I will talk about the one resource we have no control over — time — and how we can improve our time management.
…But time management is actually an oxymoron. Time is beyond our control, and the clock keeps ticking regardless of how we lead our lives.
“I wish I had more time to finish [this or that].”
“I can’t possibly get all these things done.”
Lately, my plate has been full. I am doing a lot, and this pulls me in many different directions. From giving time to loved ones to day-to-day work, from studying to writing to your good self, from keeping healthy to building a company I will soon tell you about. Time is scarce.
Time is actually so scarce that it is the scarcest resource in the world. It is the only thing in life that you can never get back! So, make good use of it.
In previous letters, I discussed the topic of time from different angles, looking at what is important to us, applying the 80/20 rule, and how knowing our why can help us make decisions.
Lately, a couple of my friends have asked me: “How do you do so much?” “How do you manage your time?” Indeed, while these days are challenging, I’m managing it ok…so far.
So, in this letter, I thought I would share with you my 12 commandments for effective time management.
I have synthesized them after reading books, listening to podcasts, and talking to people about the topic. They are not revolutionary, but they are effective.
Today, I will share a list that sits on my wall and I see every day as a reminder!
My 12 commandments of effective time management…
Be decisive – and ruthless with what makes the cut or doesn’t
Accept imperfection – “Good enough” is great, 80% done&out is better than 100% never completed
Anticipate – Visualize, plan and allow buffer for changes
Do one thing – at a time by being in the now
Complete what you start – to get out of your list and your mind
Empower others and delegate – as much as you can to create win-win scenarios
Automate – what can be automated (> create asset!)
Don’t chase the ball – but keep your eyes on the goal
Eat the frog – do the most important and unpleasant thing first, and prioritize the rest
Create independent time buckets and workdays – be in flow, controlling your agenda and splitting different core activities
Focus on the outcome – rather than the task
Sustain your energy – by pausing, walking outside, doing sport and mediation
Those are my personal affirmations, rules, and techniques. They don’t have to apply to you but maybe they could.
What are your techniques to better manage your time? I would love to hear yours.
As time management is an oxymoron as it’s beyond our control, maybe priority management is the answer to make the best use of the time we have?
Question:
How do you effectively manage your time?