LEARN THE BASICS
MAY 2021
Why managing your time is so important
Time is a special resource because it takes time to accomplish anything. The way you manage time, like the way you manage your money, energy and other resources, plays a large part in determining what you can accomplish and the satisfaction you receive from everything you do.
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Some say time is the most valuable of all resources, because it is limited. Others think time is endless — that they can always complete tasks at another time. Most busy people have to plan carefully to meet all of their time demands. Jobs, schools and other commitments require you to be on time, even though you might prefer a more relaxed schedule.
Time itself is not the real problem: The key is how you use your time.
Think about time
Time is unique. It’s the only resource every person has in equal amounts: Everyone has 24 hours a day.
Time is perishable
You can’t really save time. You can “use it or lose it.” A problem with time as a resource is that you can’t borrow minutes from one day and use them the next day. Although time cannot be saved, you can use your time effectively through careful planning and action.
Time is a measure
When time is discussed, many people think first of the clock. Most developed countries tend to be a clock- and calendar-centered societies. Being on time for work, school and appointments, and for payments such as rent and bills, is a necessity for almost everyone today. In other cultures, time may be measured by the sun and the seasons.
Time has a monetary value
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Time is money.’’ It takes time to earn money. It takes time to develop new resources. It takes time to get the most for your shopping money. Sometimes you choose whether to “buy time’’ in the form of convenience foods or household repairs.
Time has other values
People look for “quality time’’ to spend with children and other family members. Everyone needs time for rest, leisure and personal renewal, as well as for friends, neighbors and the community.
Time to get started
Ready to take control of your time? Here are a few helpful time management tricks:
- Dedicate a particular time/day of the week to a particular chore. For example, do the household laundry on Thursday evening, so more of the weekend can be dedicated to relaxing.
- Help kids learn to manage their own time (and learn to navigate between activities) by setting a time limit for things like online gaming. Having them manage their own time will give you back some time, too!
- List out your weekly errands, and try to address them in one fell swoop on a day off.
- Big projects (like cleaning out the garage) are more doable when they’re broken up into blocks of time. Reward yourself after each effort.
- Compile your to-do list in priority order to ensure the most important tasks get accomplished first.