Stay True To Your Priorities

by Nora Rhoades, Family and Youth Development Agent

The days are finally getting longer, but so it my to-do list! The freshness of spring always inspires me to make changes in my life for the better. However, I’ll be honest...my to-do list is a bit intimidating.

I try to set realistic goals, but a lack of time management can make accomplishing the task of cleaning out a closet, desire to write a thank you to a good friend, plan to prepare nutritious meals for the week, or value of having a date night with my husband seem far, far away. How much time do you waste? Are there items on your to-do list that always get pushed to ‘maybe later’?

Consider the 80/20 rule.

In the business world, this rule explains that 20% of efforts result in 80% of total output. When applying the rule to one’s personal life it means that 80% of values and memories are gained from only 20% of activities. Yes, that means you could be wasting 80% of your time on things you don’t even recognize to be important!

So, what is hogging your time and producing minimal reward… unplanned trips to the grocery store? electronics? fear of failure or success? lack of interest? procrastination? guilt? poor sleep habits? people pleasing? over-commitment? miscommunication?

If you are a victim of the 80/20 rule, focus on one day at a time until effective time management becomes habitual. Outline what you want to do, what you ought to do, and what you must do. Then, determine what you can eliminate, modify, substitute, combine, or exchange. Remember, effective time management is not a result of prioritizing your schedule. Rather, it is gained by using a schedule to stay true to your priorities!

To add confidence to your time management decisions answer the question ‘Why?’ as you analyze your day. You may discover some tasks that align with your values and interests are getting covered by rubbish. Recognizing why gives you permission to make a change for the better. Let the freshness of spring motivate you to take back control of your time.

For more information and resources contact any K-State Research and Extension – Post Rock District Office.


 Photo credit: www.earningdiary.com