Time Management is Bull$#!@.
Think priorities instead of time.
Time management is bullshit. It's all about priority management.
We've all heard it before: "Time management is key to success." But what does that really mean? And is it even possible to truly manage time?
The truth is, time is an illusion. It's a constant, never-ending stream of moments that we can't control. So how can we possibly manage something that's beyond our control?
The answer is: we can't. But we can manage our priorities.
Priority management is the process of identifying the most important tasks in your life and then taking action on them. It's about focusing on what matters most and letting go of the rest.
When you prioritize your tasks, you're not trying to control time. You're simply choosing how to spend your time in a way that's aligned with your goals and values.
Here are things I do to effectively manage my priorities:
Identify goals and values. What do you want to achieve in your life? What's important to you? Write them down and keep them for easy reference
Create a to-do list. This will help you to visualize all of the tasks that you need to complete. As you're creating your to-do list, be sure to prioritize the tasks. I use Microsoft's ToDo app, Todoist is another great tool. I’ve also been exploring Notion.so to help manage both long-term goal and short-term todos.
Set deadlines. A goal without a deadline is a wish. Deadlines will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Learn to say no. This is a such an important point. I love Derek Siver’s approach… if it’s not a Hell Yes, it’s an F-No.
Priority management is a skill that takes time and practice to develop (this is true). But it's a skill that's worth developing,
So don't waste your time trying to manage time. Instead, focus on managing your priorities.
Blake, this one’s for you.