Viewing Your Time as a Valuable Commodity
Sometimes the keys to successful time management have nothing to do
with planners, schedules or organization technique. Instead, changes
of viewpoint can make all the difference in the world. These epiphanies
can transform one’s outlook regarding time and how it is handled.
One of the most important recognitions is understanding time, not as
a menacing clock ticking away, but as a valuable commodity.
How do you treat your valuables? You aren’t reckless with them.
You treat them well. You covet special items and afford them the very
best possible treatment. When you begin to understand the value of time
as a commodity of sorts, managing its use can become almost second nature.
Look at it this way. Time is valuable. It is the window of opportunity
for everything we accomplish. To make it even more valuable, it is a
prerequisite to our very being. When we “run out of time,”
in the largest sense, we die completely. Recognizing that time is truly
worth more than anything and that it is the basis for everything repositions
our thinking.
Suddenly, we can begin to approach our decisions with time truly in
mind. Instead of merely focusing on deadlines and must-do’s, we
begin to think in terms of ways we can truly maximize what we have.
We may also develop a strong reluctance to engage in practices that
fail to contribute to our larger goals.
One is less apt to “waste time” when they think of it in
terms of its nearly infinite value as opposed to when it is perceived
as little more than an annoying timer. One begins to relish time and
to milk it dry of all opportunity. That is an amazingly empowering step
to take. The lists begin to look less oppressive, the chores seem to
become opportunities for celebration and progress.
How do you feel about time? Is it merely a hurdle for you to jump or
can you begin to appreciate it as the foundation of all things--including
life. When you are able to truly comprehend the value of the commodity
called “time,” you will naturally begin to approach your
daily tasks differently. You will seek to complete them, but you may
also find yourself enjoying them even more in an effort to imbue each
precious moment with greater significance.
Just as one would never play a game of pick up baseball with a Faberge
egg, no one who truly senses the boundless value of time would ever
squander precious minutes on meaningless distractions. Instead, he or
she will naturally focus on maximizing the value of time with respect
to individual goals.
A solid organizing system and a good plan may be critical to the ability
of some to better manage their time. However, a simple shift of perspective
may have a far more profound impact on outcomes.
|
