Time Management
Too much time?by Tim Richardson
As speakers, many of us have thought or said, "I wish I had more time to write" or "I can't seem to get my writing complete". Time is such a precious commodity and one of several nonrenewable resources in our work and personal lives.
Having just completed an incredibly productive month, I feel like I have a secret I need to share. It's been a month I've dreamed about and one that will have more impact on my career than any I've ever imagined. The great news is that you can do it too!
OK, here is. Let me warn you though that this secret is really not one. It is easy stuff that anyone could do but it takes commitment, follow through, and discipline. I will PROMISE you results if you will try these things.
First, I took a totally blank calendar out and wrote out exactly how I wanted my month to look. I put the really important stuff in first: my family, worship, recreation, exercise, renewal, etc. Then I wrote out an exact work, home, and play schedule for the month including Saturday's and Sundays. A few things were non-negotiable ‑ date night with my wife and "adventure time" with my son.
Then, I wrote this article as if these things had already happened and posted it on my desk at the office and where I could see it when I was there. I also kept a copy to read when I was on the road.
Here are some other small steps that might help you achieve your writing goals.
Focus
Write first thing in the morning before doing any other work. If it works for you, you might even write before dressing or eating breakfast
Do less better - focus on quality not quantity
Make it a goal to write every day for at least one hour
Established a firm date for completing the book, article, or project
Each goal, of course, had sub points with deadlines and an action plan plus a reward for accomplishing that goal
Write sub goals on index cards or Post‑its
Minimize Distractions:
‑ Tell people in your office or home that you are was working on an incredible important project and will be a "hermit" for awhile
- Let routine callers know that e‑mail would be the best way to contact youb for awhile (I let them know that they would also benefit by the new insights and productivity that would result).
‑ keep some productivity tools with you at all times: a pocket sized planner, a recorder for capturing book ideas, a legal pad, and perhaps a energy filled snack!
What worked for me:
- I let go of feeling like I had to be working between 8:00 am and 5:00 PM as I so often had
- I didn't worry about what people would think if they saw me sitting on the beach, in the park, or in quiet place with my legal pad
- With my wife, we planned our social time, our family time, our quiet/devotional time, and even developed a list of who would be responsible for cooking, cleaning, yard work, and other family matters.
- I planned regular times to exercise.
‑ When I was out of the office writing, I checked voice mail and returned phone calls between 11:45-12:00 and 4:45-5:00 (it's been truly amazing how quick people are when time is of the essence).
‑ When I was in the office, I almost always let my voice mail pick up my messages.
‑ I scheduled phone appointments.
When I just needed to give information, I called people when I knew I would get their voice mail
‑ When I made out bound calls, I went right into the purpose of my call rather than "small" talking about the weather, our football team, etc.
‑ I made a very succinct voice mail that told callers what I was doing and how to contact me most efficiently.
I have never professed to be a time management expert. I haven't written a book o article on it, or had a personal time efficiency coach to work beside me. What I did do was decide that with purposeful focus, tightly planned and monitored scheduling, and frequent reminders of the important stuff, I could substantially increase my output and effectiveness. The result was that I cut down on time grabber work, so that I could spend more time on writing and what was REALLY important in my life.
Arguably, these things are simple but important things. These are things that anyone can do. Will you? It made a tremendous impact on my writing career as well as speaking career. I am a better a better writer, businessman, a better speaker, and even a better husband and father. The impact in my life has been incredible. I hope it will be in yours.
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Tim Richardson is a professional speaker who helps sales professionals increase sales and grow their businesses. He is the author of Jump Starts: Wit and Wisdom to Supercharge Your Day, and co-author of Transformation Thinking and contributing author of M
