I am reading Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture. (You can also see his lecture on Youtube or your local PBS station from time to time.) Frankly, I'm impressed with the book and all he has to say, keeping up his spirits and his courage in the face of the darkest of dark: the Big C. Not only did he stay upbeat for his family, but with enough left over to share his wisdom with the rest of us.
One of the things that strikes me is his chapter on time management. Here are the key points we should all keep in mind:
- You can always change your plan, but only if you have one! Whether its a standard "to do" list or calendar entries on your Blackberry -- Have a plan!
- Ask yourself, are you spending your time on the right things? When it comes to causes, goals and interests, make sure they're worth pursuing.
- Develop a good filing system. Things are easier to find, and less time is spent looking for things if there's a system, or as they used to say in the olden days: A place for everything, and everything in its place.
- Rethink the telephone. Spending a lot of time on hold listening to the dreaded, yet familiar, "Your call is important to us" recording (uh huh, yeah, right!!) isn't very productive. Use a speaker phone or headset so your hands are free to do other things.
- Delegate. Trust those around you to do what needs to be done. Even the little ones can help out with the minor things!
- Take a time out. It's not a real vacation or time away if you're reading email or calling in for messages. Time away can give you a new outlook; so enjoy it!
- Don't waste time whining. Take that energy and use it constructively toward a solution! The time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier.
Like Willie Nelson sings: "Ain't it funny ... how ... time ... slips ... away....."
What choices will you make with your allotted time today??
Timeless HUGS to everyone!
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