CHOICE MANAGEMENT

When looking at your day and attempting to manage time, how many of you fail? How many of you get distracted, lack discipline and feel you cannot make the deadline? I believe this is an after effect of simply wanting to manage time.

You cannot manage time, it is there, it doesn’t change, there is never any more or less time and the sun will still come up when it does and set when it does. Take back control and managing choices in the time that is available.

Managing your choices (instead of managing time) allows you to implement a schedule of chosen tasks and then do the right ones in right order. The important thing to remember is that there are no right or wrong set of choices and actions, there is only the right ones for you. What is important and works for one person rarely works the same way for another. It is about finding your balance, what is important to you and then set about achieving.

There are a couple of easy steps you can use to start which will make a big impact in managing your choices:-

o A powerful question that assists in this process is “What is the best use of my time right now”. Immediately you will find that you are drawn to what is of benefit in the moment. It could be organising your desk, tidying your home or work area, having a break, finishing a paper or making a phone call. Asking this question will bring you back to task.
o Write a list of all the things that you need and want to be done (including work, home duties, recreational and you time). Keeping lists is a very powerful tool in staying on track and gaining a sense of achievement as you cross things off.
o Clear your space. A big reason people find themselves unmotivated and lacking organisation is that their home/office is cluttered and untidy. It is so easy to be distracted and feel bogged down. In the back of their mind it is a reminder of more ‘work’ to do.
o It is very important to allocate high energy tasks, whether thinking or doing, in your high energy time of day. Be mindful of what time of the day you choose to be studying, working, doing housework or resting.
o Clearly communicate and engage support from someone close to you. This will help you to keep on task as well as your support person can organise their choices and time in a manner that aids your achievements.

Most importantly, acknowledge your achievements each day and reflect. Whilst reflecting, without judgement, ask yourself “did I do my best today and what can I do better tomorrow?” This is the true path of excellence.

Kirsty O’Callaghan
www.unity-qld.com.au