There are a numerous stories, songs, quotations and workshops about, “Time Management,” yet many persons, particularly seniors, who are no longer in the workforce, have lulled themselves into having marginal, or even scant regard for quality time management!
I have heard all the “time” excuses. “If I had more time, I would do so and so!” We really don’t need more time. What we should do is to manage the time we have, in a manner, which allows us to take far more advantage of doing things, engaging with associates, relatives and friends, to achieve a balanced and upbeat lifestyle!
While you may be retired and are essentially “off the clock,” don’t slip into the context of those, “ordinary persons who think merely about ‘spending time,’ while great people think of ‘using it!’ to their best advantage.”
Think twice about it. You could probably experience an upbeat rhythm in your lifestyle, if you adopted the formula which communications guru, Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” espoused. He said, “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule; but, to schedule your priorities.”
Make a List of your Important Activities
Make a list of your important activities: business, (yes, some seniors still work), medical and personal appointments, family obligations, social activities, special engagements, and so on. Then, determine the most important ones, as you schedule them. At the same time, be conscious of the day of the week, public holidays, for example and, determine if there is need to make appointments!
Personally, I take a monthly overview of my activities; break them down to a weekly schedule; highlight the events to be accomplished, daily; and, if necessary, make room to reschedule some events.
The late management consultant, Peter Drucker maintained that: “Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed.” Hence, one must also be realistic about how much they can accomplish in a month, a week, or a day!
Consequently, there will be need for flexibility, as the details and events may change, based on the availability of others involved in your schedule. Therefore, you could follow the wise advice of St. Francis of Assisi, who said: Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible!”
After reading this article, take a break; and, if you can, check on YouTube, to explore the lyrics of “time”-based songs, such as: “The Way We Were,” Barbara Streisand; “Both Sides Now,” Joni Mitchell; “Forever Young,” Bob Dylan; “Only Time,” Enya; “Time and the River,” Nat King Cole; and there are many others!
Enjoy the songs; but, most of all, plan to manage your time; and, give us some “feedback,” as you enjoy the outcome of your enhanced, “time-balanced,” lifestyle!
