By Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D.
I would guess that millions of dollars have been spent this past year on time management books and training programs. We all seem to want to know the answer to managing the chaos around us.
Somewhere along the way, I realized that I didn’t need to feel guilty about not doing time management correctly. There is no one way to do it. After I shed the guilt I decided to experiment with different approaches to organizing my day.
Colored sticky notes, highlighters and whiteboards? Mindmaps, arrows and circles? They may look weird to others, but to my right brain they work just fine.
And technology helps. I found that using the full functionality of MS Outlook was a lifesaver. Now, as a Mac person, I am still amazed that my calendars synch through some sort of virtual cloud.
I think everyone has to create a fluid system that works for him or her. I also am encouraged that current time management gurus stress strategy over technique. Setting goals and honing in on priorities are what counts. Are you taking the time to sit down and plan your day? Are you working on the right things? Are you able to refocus when necessary?
We all have the same 24 hours. Style doesn’t matter as much as substance. Be open to new tools, create a system that works for you and lose the guilt. It just takes up valuable time.
