Lessons In Time Management

It is often said that procrastination is the thief of time. Time management is key to achieving success in every sphere of life. Despite commitments such as preparation for the upcoming MBA examinations and keeping up studies, I jumped at the opportunity to attend a non-compulsory class on time management with Mr Henry Onukwuba, a faculty at the Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour department of LBS.

Below are some of the key learnings of the very informative session.

Time management is a skill that can be utilised to increase the time available to pursue other activities. This addresses the issue of time not being enough to pursue one’s endeavours.

Time is indispensable. Every action requires time. Time is a resource that we cannot do without.

Time is perishable and cannot be saved. Once time is lost, it is gone for good. Time is not a resource that can be bought. Rather, it can only be spent. Individuals should try and develop their own method for creating their own time to engage in their various endeavours of interest. Time is irreplaceable and can never be brought back.

Time flies. Ever looked back and wonder how the years flew? This is because seconds turn into hours, hours into days, days into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Time has a peculiar nature; it waits for nobody.

Time management requires self-discipline, self-mastery and self-control. Jim Rohn famously stated that “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” A lot can be achieved through self-discipline.

Resting is a crucial part of time management. The body needs to rejuvenate after working.

According to Robin Sharma, managing time is about managing your life.

Time is the only resource which is given to everyone equally, irrespective of gender, class or creed. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. According to Peter Druker, “You cannot manage time, you can only manage your life.”  

In accordance with the Pareto Principle, only 20 per cent of our daily activities account for 80 per cent of the value of our time. Hence, the key should not be to prioritise what is on our schedule but to schedule our priorities.

Take cognisance of the 4 D’s of time management

• Dump what is not important because it can be a waste of time
• Delegate what is not important if another person can be entrusted to execute the task  
• Defer what is not critical. Completion of the task can be scheduled for another time.
• Do what is important and cannot be delegated.

There is a psychology to time management, and this starts with self-confirmation. Individuals should have the belief that they are efficient, organised and capable. As time goes by, the belief in one’s capabilities and efficiencies will manifest.

The second psychology of time management is acting the part. Individuals should practice being efficient and organised, while not being afraid to make mistakes.

Individuals should endeavour to start their day on a productive note.

Give yourself the opportunity to succeed. Do not take on more tasks than you can execute. Celebrate small wins and try to achieve a good work life balance.

Time management is an essential resource, especially for a programme as time-consuming as the Executive MBA programme.