As the calendar nears the end of December, we find friends, family, and clients harried and complaining of not having enough time.
Time management is a universal concern, yet time management is neither a time issue nor a management issue. It is a priority issue.
Time is not a renewable resource. One piece of managing your precious time is related to the ability to say no. Often we don't want to say no, even when that's the right thing to do, because we don't want to risk appearing unable, unappreciative, or disrespectful. We don't always act as we know we should. Sometimes we want to please or impress someone.
An alternative way to manage your tasks is to view requests in light of your values and priorities. As a result, you will find yourself appropriately saying no when requests are not in alignment with your values and goals. Consider the tasks you are taking on. How many are really important? With a look at your priorities and goals, many could be done later, or might not be necessary. Focus on developing attitudes and habits that continuously enhance a positive self-image and a high level of confidence. Focus on doing the right things for the right reasons.
Choose the outcomes you desire. You can choose to control your own life. You can select the events in which you want to participate and affect the ultimate outcome. Alan Kay once said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." People may try to control our lives, but they are only successful of we choose to let them. What you accomplish and the amount of time you spend getting there depends on the choices you continue to make.
