No More Time Management

I no longer believe in time management. You cannot manage time. What, then, can you manage? Actions.

Ninety percent of my clients say that time management is a struggle. Many of them don’t have that natural ability to get organized to a point where they feel “totally on top of things.” They simply don’t know where to start. Neither did I. A foundational belief I have and share with my clients is a common desire to develop their personal leadership as well as their ability to lead others. Being able to manage your day and feel productive is the core of being able to lead yourself and others well.

A few years ago I was discussing the qualities of leadership with my pastor. He mentioned a book on organization he loved and suggested I read it. The book was Getting Things Done by David Allen. When I read it, I felt like the author cracked open my head and wrote solutions to all the issues I had about feeling scattered. I could see how my life and they way I worked could be different.

One of the best tips I took and implement today is managing my actions instead of my time. I ask, “What is my next physical action?” on just about everything I do. For example, before reading the book I might have thought, “I need to get a certification completed.” I may have even scheduled time to work on it, but getting to the goal was always a time management balancing act. Today I ask, “What is the next physical action I have to take in order to accomplish getting that certification complete?” My answer: “I need to schedule three hours to do the required time log.” Then I schedule time to do the log and ask the question again. It sounds so simple, I know. Yet it’s powerful.

Getting Things Done is a helpful resource I’ve shared with several clients. Although it has been useful, I notice some of them never get implement the practices shared in this best-selling book. Ah-hah moment for me! To help clients with this common struggle, I launched the GET THINGS DONE! Tele-class. They get group coaching on implementing and realize it’s not such a big, hairy deal. It’s been a great success.

Here’s my Moxy Message to you: Think differently. Your brain is a powerful tool. Make a list of all the projects that are looming in your head. Next, grab a different color pen and write down the next physical action you need to take to complete each task. Get specific and drill down to the simplest detail. Your day will move from being filled with activity to high-level productivity. The difference translates to your bottom line.

If you are interested, a Get Things Done! class is starting February 7th. Find the information here: http://www.facebook.com/events/314154061955734/