The Good Ol’ Days

Many managers and partners remember the day when their bosses would back up the proverbial dump truck full of client files and unload, leaving it up to them to figure out how to get it all done. They did what they had to do, sometimes at great personal expense. Fortunately, this is less the case now and “the way we always did it” has faded. However, you are still faced with plenty to do and may even feel overwhelmed from time to time.

That’s why the whole concept of time management is critical. Actually, “time management” is somewhat of misnomer because there is no managing time–only managing yourself in time. When you pay attention to your priorities, your choices and your commitments, you reap the benefits of managing your time. But there’s more benefit than just being productive.

From the Research

I read of a recent comprehensive study that conducted a meta-analysis of the time management literature since the mid 80’s and it found some interesting correlations. While time management practices have a positive impact on productivity, there was a stronger connection that was not expected. Those who adopted good time management structure and disciplines found that they experienced a 72% positive impact on their life satisfaction over their career satisfaction.

You heard it right—time management skills not only have a positive effect on your performance, it impacts your sense of wellbeing even more.

Back to the Basics

For this week, focus on the right priorities and make the right choices to achieve them. In the end, you will not only achieve more, but you will also feel better about your career and your life. If not, you are left to scramble just to keep up and feel frazzled along the way. You deserve better. You are better. So be better.