So you thought we were done talking about the tip offs that our time is probably not being used as wisely as possible……………not so fast. Here are the Happy Rock’s additions : Unmanaged Time Flows Towards Immediate Gratification This one isn’t as ugly as it sounds. I noticed that in those times when life was piling up and I had a multiple stressful tasks that needed to be done, I would often gravitate towards inane tasks. If I had a 10 page paper, a test to study for, and a big life decision to make, I would feel compelled to [...]
Read MoreMay 2007
The fourth of Gordon MacDonald’s laws is : Unmanaged Time Gets Invested in Things that Gain Public Acclamation This one might not be as obvious to spot as the others, but it very well could be the most dangerous. Without a plan for the use of our time, we can be tempted to pursue actions that might garner us some praise from others. I picture a busy father, who takes his son out to buy the newest toy, rather then plan some quality time were he can help build up his son’s character and deepen their relationship. He truly wants [...]
Read MoreLaw three : Unmanaged Time Surrenders to the Demands of all Emergencies This law is similar in principle to Law 2. If our time is not budgeted for the things that we want and need to accomplish, the last thing that demands our attention will often win out. In the computer programming world, we call that a LIFO system. Last in first out, or fire fighter mode. The structures in our lives only realistically lets us deal with the emergencies of our lives. Surprisingly there are even many work environments that operate like this. This type of environment often leads [...]
Read MoreTime for the second law : Unmanaged Time Comes under the Influence of the Dominant People in my World Intuitive, you bet! If I don’t have a plan for my time, then every phone call, email, meeting request, and lunch date can take time away from the tasks I truly desire to accomplish. For example, if my best time for accomplishing work is the early morning, then I should schedule that time for myself. When your my good friend calls the night before and asks if I want to go to breakfast, I can confidently respond with “I already have [...]
Read MoreLet’s dissect the first law of unmanaged time : Unmanaged Time Flows Toward Your Weaknesses This idea makes intuitive sense, or at least it did to me. We spend more time doing things that we are not good at. With tasks that align with our strengths, we know that we can put in much less energy, but still produce quality output. Many times we are much more passionate about activities that align with our strengths. The desired results happen much faster, and then we are left with the less attractive tasks. It will take much more effort to produce an [...]
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