Saturday, April 4, 2009 ~ Time Managment

When are you going to get your stuff done? Procrastination can sabotage more than a day’s work. Too many of us also procrastinate in much bigger areas of life — things like growing in responsibility, maturity and in our relationship with Christ.  – Alex & Brett Harris, the Rebelution

I was really challenged when I read that.  Although I don’t think myself as a major procrastinator, I catch myself from time to time just “fluffin’ around”, as my Mum would say.  Perhaps I’m not doing harmless things, such as re-reading a book off the shelf or checking out an online group, but is it the best?  While we are reading Do Hard Things, the phrase ‘good better best’ keeps popping up in our conversations.  It really applies to all matters of life: including the way we spend our time.

I can get bored quite easily.  After school and responsibilities are all done, I can be uninspired to write a letter, work on a craft, write or even read.  All I feel up to doing is look at blogs.  Not exactly the best thing to doing.  Strictly speaking, it’s not bad, but there are better things I could be doing, if I put my mind to it.  Besides the fact that I’ve already spent my fair share on the internet, I have things that need to be done.

What I’ve found has helped me stay on track is to have a couple of lists: an assignment sheet, a daily planner and a master list.

Assignment Sheet

For the past year now, Mum has been planning an assignment sheet to keep us on track of our school assignments, split into blocks of ten.  We have a column for each week, and a row for every subject, including extra hobbies and topics (such as blogging).  Although the idea is to continually ‘check on it’ throughout the week, over the weekend Josh and I are supposed to take the time to analysis our week; whether we are on track or not, and why.  It gives me a visual and balanced idea of what I’m supposed to be doing. 

These pieces of paper, along with my reading list and log, are filed in a folder kept on my tray on my desk.  Also in that folder I have a sleeve for each unfinished school subject I’m working on. 

Daily Planner

For several years now, Mum has given us a daily diary to write out a daily to-do list, and add in anything else that popped up (such as an unexpected play date).  This year and 2008, Mum gave us a page-to-a-day diary, giving us heaps of room to fill everything in.  On and off I’ve tried to keep my own separate one, but with me keeping my school one too, I’ve never been able to keep track of both of them, so this year I’ve decided to just keep the one.  That means I jot down everyone’s birthdays in there along with my schoolwork, and it works very well.  Simple is better!

Master List

From time to time I write down simply everything I have to do (except the normal school subjects), on an index card.  Topics both big and small go on that list.  Then, with two coloured highlighters, I highlight

a)      The things I need to do on the computer

b)      The things that can’t be done independently

When I have free time and I’m lost at what to do, I go to that list, pick one, and work on it.  Believe me, things get done fast that way!

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Managing our time is important because once we’ve spent it, we can’t get it back.  It’s like money – we have the choice to either spend it wisely or on junk.  “Procrastination is the thief of time”, 18^th century poet Edward Young wrote, and it’s true.  I’m reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament and how he was placed in charge of first Potiphars’ entire property, then became basically completely in charge of prison, and then all of Egypt – one of the most flourishing countries in the world!  I don’t think Joseph would have procrastinated much – he saw a need, and he went out and did it.  When we are faithful in spending our time wisely in the small things, such as the five minutes here and two minutes there, we’ll be trustworthy for even greater things which will build up the Kingdom of God.

“Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart, as working for the LORD not man.” – Colossians 3:23

Want more?

Stop Wasting Time. – The Rebelution

M for Multitasking – The Rebelution

Procrastination: the second mark of a wasted life – The Rebelution

Time Management – Beautiful Grace

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 ~ Untitled Comment