EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT BEGINS WITH CLEAR VISION AND GOALS
As we begin to examine our time management, it makes sense to look at the end in mind. But why is that significant? Simply, without a clear vision for your future - be it in life or business – then time management becomes useless.
Setting the groundwork for good time management habits and practices is having the right mindset and attitude. Many of us experience chaos in our lives because we have not established fundamental time management disciplines. Some believe they are "cursed" with poor time management habits and have given up hope of changing them. You must first believe that your situation can change and that you can break free from your ingrained habits.
Vision is another essential component for developing effective time management. Because they lack a clear sense of direction and purpose, many individuals I know (and I'm sure you do too) waste a lot of their precious time. Because of this, people are happy to live day by day, accepting what is given to them while ignoring the opportunities that are there. When it comes to vision and personal productivity, clarity is the most important concept. The main reason why some people achieve more in a day than others (all else being equal) is that they are crystal clear on their goals and objectives and do not stray from them. Procrastination is avoided by practising the discipline of clarity, which also gives people the concentration and inspiration they need to pursue their goals.
Let us define vision first. Your ideal situation (for your life, business, career, etc.) in ten, twenty, or thirty years and beyond is what is referred to as your vision. This vision should be completely clear in your mind, and you should be able to explain it in great detail. The clearer your vision is, the more motivated you will be in your life.
Having a clear vision will help you determine what you need to do today to achieve your goals for tomorrow. Once you have established a clear vision, you must now create the goals that will help you achieve that vision. While vision is the ultimate destination, goals are the short and long-term milestones along the way that bring you closer and closer to achieving it.
Much has been written and said about goal setting, but here is a simple and effective method:
1. Determine precisely what you want.
Make it specific and write it down. The act of writing down a goal greatly increases the likelihood that you will achieve it.
2. Create measurable goals.
Your objectives should be measured against specific criteria. For instance, it's a good objective to "become the best salesperson," but how do you quantify "best"? This objective might be phrased as "I will achieve $1,000,000 in gross sales revenue, enabling me to the top sales position in the organisation" to make it more measurable.
3. Establish deadlines.
This will put some pressure on you to complete your assignment and assist you in overcoming the temptation to put off tasks until later.
4. Create a list.
Include any tasks, methods, decisions, milestones, or other requirements for achieving each goal in your list of things to accomplish.
5. Finally, create an action plan from the list of tasks and start carrying out your plan right away.
Make a commitment to do something every day to move you closer to your goals. Goals that are clearly written will have a powerful impact on your thinking and will motivate you to take action.
They serve as your "guiding lights," ensuring that you complete your tasks and make the most use of your time.
- Robin Olivier (ActionCURVE NZ)