Get More Done! Organize Your Time

Get More Done! Organize Your Time…

by Katherine Denton

Do you often feel there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? You might be busy all day long, but don’t accomplish what’s really important to you. To make sure you are doing the right things, set some goals. You know the adage, “If you fail to plan, then you can plan to fail.” Well, it rings true regarding your time.  

First, determine what is important to you. Take the time to discover what you value in life. It is not easy. You must do the soul searching, but again it is rewarding.

When you identify your governing values, everything changes. You start looking at everyday activities in a new light. You start asking uncomfortable questions like “Am I wasting my time on this task or activity?” Your sense of clarity and purpose will help you keep on track.  

A study conducted by Franklin Quest revealed the 10 most popular governing values in America as:

• Spouse/Significant Other
• Financial Security
• Personal health and fitness
• Children and Family
• Spirituality / Religion
• A sense of accomplishment
• Integrity and honesty
• Occupational satisfaction
• Love for others/service
• Education and learning

Your governing values may not be on this list. This is not a one size fits all list. Just remember that your governing values are yours alone. If something is important to you, then it is important. You do not need to defend it.

Using your governing values, you can create goals. For example, let’s say your goal is to create a better balance between your work and family life.  A friend calls and requests that you chair a charity event. Do you say “yes” or “no”? Reflect on your values and goals. You may be tempted to say “yes”, but is the request compatible with your goals?

Protect your time like the precious and limited resource it is. Have as much respect for your time as you have for another’s time. Remember, every time you say “yes” to something, you are saying “no” to something else that could be more valuable. Next month I will share ideas on how to turn your goals and priorities into a reality for you.