So, rather than the usual tips and tricks, I wanted to take a
moment to look at some of the myths and beliefs people find themselves
buying into either consciously or subconsciously. This can be really
damaging, so don't kid yourself; if this sounds like you, now is the
time to make a change!
Without further ado, here are the top 5 time management myths...
1: Your working life is at the mercy of external events
The truth is that you are in far more control of your life than you think. Don't buy into the fact that the massive workload you seem to be constantly battling is 'just the way it is.'
Plan ahead in advance and look to anticipate the future. Prepare for the worst so that your backside is covered, this can prevent the proverbial hitting the fan at every opportunity.
Recognise what you definitely cannot control and how you will work around this. If you are really honest, this list will be a lot smaller than you think!
2. You have to please everybody to be successful
This couldn't be further from the truth. You do not need to say yes to everything. You might think you are winning someone over by burdening yourself with extra work to please them. I have had the biggest wins of my business life by either saying no, or negotiating a win/win situation. As long as you don't come across as hard-headed or ignorant, you will find people respect a strong person with an opinion. This includes your clients. Learn when to tell somebody 'no,' or when you should negotiate on the status quo as opposed to defaulting to the standard 'yes' answer you have become accustomed to giving.
Give it a try, you will gain respect and feel empowered - guaranteed.
3. I must get everything done today
Great planning can eliminate this one in a heartbeat. Assess tomorrow's work at the end of every day and do not be afraid to plan a day or two into the future so less critical tasks can be completed in a timely manner. Your to-do list should be a day's work and no more. If it is more than this, then you are doing it wrong. If your workload is both massive and urgent, then it is time to re-negotiate the workload, push back on your clients or colleagues and delegate effectively if you are able to.
Either way, you should feel challenged positively by your day plan, not filled with dread.
4. This is a life or death situation
It should go without saying that it almost never is. Even major business decisions and pieces of work should be taken in your stride. If you consider the winning penalty that Chelsea scored on the weekend to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, if Didier Drogba had treated that as life or death; then he would have had a much higher chance of punting the ball over the bar. Instead, he dispatched it in the same manner as the dozens he has taken in his professional career and thousands he has taken in training.
Apply this logic to your career and let your skills and experience take care of it as they always do.
5. It's quicker if I just do it myself
Quite often in business you may come across a situation where you can either pass on your knowledge and delegate an urgent task to a co-worker or outsourced employee or do it yourself. Quite simply, it is almost guaranteed to be quicker if you do it yourself rather than pass it on - the first time. Consider the economy behind getting someone else up to speed on this task so it can be passed on to somebody else in the future. If this will allow you to focus on your critical tasks, then consider it a worthwhile investment.
I want to hear from you. What myths have you debunked in your life or career? Find me at Clever Time Management for more.
Without further ado, here are the top 5 time management myths...
1: Your working life is at the mercy of external events
The truth is that you are in far more control of your life than you think. Don't buy into the fact that the massive workload you seem to be constantly battling is 'just the way it is.'
Plan ahead in advance and look to anticipate the future. Prepare for the worst so that your backside is covered, this can prevent the proverbial hitting the fan at every opportunity.
Recognise what you definitely cannot control and how you will work around this. If you are really honest, this list will be a lot smaller than you think!
2. You have to please everybody to be successful
This couldn't be further from the truth. You do not need to say yes to everything. You might think you are winning someone over by burdening yourself with extra work to please them. I have had the biggest wins of my business life by either saying no, or negotiating a win/win situation. As long as you don't come across as hard-headed or ignorant, you will find people respect a strong person with an opinion. This includes your clients. Learn when to tell somebody 'no,' or when you should negotiate on the status quo as opposed to defaulting to the standard 'yes' answer you have become accustomed to giving.
Give it a try, you will gain respect and feel empowered - guaranteed.
3. I must get everything done today
Great planning can eliminate this one in a heartbeat. Assess tomorrow's work at the end of every day and do not be afraid to plan a day or two into the future so less critical tasks can be completed in a timely manner. Your to-do list should be a day's work and no more. If it is more than this, then you are doing it wrong. If your workload is both massive and urgent, then it is time to re-negotiate the workload, push back on your clients or colleagues and delegate effectively if you are able to.
Either way, you should feel challenged positively by your day plan, not filled with dread.
4. This is a life or death situation
It should go without saying that it almost never is. Even major business decisions and pieces of work should be taken in your stride. If you consider the winning penalty that Chelsea scored on the weekend to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, if Didier Drogba had treated that as life or death; then he would have had a much higher chance of punting the ball over the bar. Instead, he dispatched it in the same manner as the dozens he has taken in his professional career and thousands he has taken in training.
Apply this logic to your career and let your skills and experience take care of it as they always do.
5. It's quicker if I just do it myself
Quite often in business you may come across a situation where you can either pass on your knowledge and delegate an urgent task to a co-worker or outsourced employee or do it yourself. Quite simply, it is almost guaranteed to be quicker if you do it yourself rather than pass it on - the first time. Consider the economy behind getting someone else up to speed on this task so it can be passed on to somebody else in the future. If this will allow you to focus on your critical tasks, then consider it a worthwhile investment.
I want to hear from you. What myths have you debunked in your life or career? Find me at Clever Time Management for more.
My name is Adam Keene and I am a 27 year old project manager
based in the UK. I work for a nationally recognised, award winning
digital marketing agency handling a really varied array of accounts. We
are always relentlessly busy and like anyone who has to manage their
time effectively, there have been times when I have failed miserably and
paid the price.
Working early, working late, working all night or all weekend, I've been there.
Rising above this I have experimented with a huge number of different working methods and strategies, truly making myself a guinea pig to find a better way and now, finally I'm happy to report that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm talking about clever time management; a way of working that is simple to understand, apply and leaves my clients happy whilst leaving me with more free time to spend as I please.
Find out more at http://www.clevertimemanagement.com
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Working early, working late, working all night or all weekend, I've been there.
Rising above this I have experimented with a huge number of different working methods and strategies, truly making myself a guinea pig to find a better way and now, finally I'm happy to report that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm talking about clever time management; a way of working that is simple to understand, apply and leaves my clients happy whilst leaving me with more free time to spend as I please.
Find out more at http://www.clevertimemanagement.com
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