Myths about time management:
1) "I'm waiting until I have more time"
Putting off doing what counts most to you until you have "more time" is like saying that
you can't go on a diet until you lose some weight. Accept the reality of the 24-hour day.
Invest your energies in getting the most out of this moment, not in futile waiting "until."
2) "It doesn't work for me"
A workbench full of tools is useless without a pair of hands to do the work.
Time techniques are only tools; they can help make our work easier, but they can't
do the job by themselves. Their degree of usefulness depends on the skill with
which we use them.
3) "I always lose my list"
Realize that most people have a love/hate relationship with "Must Do" lists.
Perhaps the easiest solution is to give your list a more positive title, such as
"Potential Accomplishments."
4) "But I've already taken the time management course or read the book"
Time management is not a "once only" get-organized project, it's an ongoing program to
bring order into your life. You have never eaten a meal so nourishing that you don't
have to eat again. You have to refill the gas tank periodically if you want to keep
driving your car. Just as there are no one-time meals or one-fill gas tanks, there
are no one-time courses or books.
Booster shots are more effective than a one-time inoculation. Read all the books you
can get your hands on. Take the courses, listen to tapes, talk to other people.
Keep yourself well supplied with ideas and inspiration. It's the best way to keep
yourself on target with your time.
5) "You just can't get organized around here"
It is easier to get organized when the people around you use their time well. But
don't let an imperfect situation be an excuse to do nothing about your own time problems.
Resentment about the disorganization around you is a waste of your time.
Take the initiative. Work on improving your own time use. Do what you can,
regardless of less-than-ideal circumstances.
Even if you can't create an ideal situation, you will be getting more from your own time.
That alone can lead to an appreciable improvement in your situation.
6) "But there's nothing I can do"
If you find yourself making this statement, you may be reacting to a pressure-packed
situation. You may not always be able to do everything you would like to do or need
to do, but you can certainly take some preliminary steps. A compromise tactic can
provide you with a solution.
For example, you may need a full eight hours to write a tough report, but that block of
time simply may not be available. Don't let that stop you from taking some action.
Carve out a half hour each day to work on the report. It's not ideal, but it adds
up and it will help. At the very least, it will allay those feelings of being swamped,
and put you back in control of the situation.
7) "People keep interrupting me"
For most of us, interruptions are a big problem. Don't waste time waiting for them to
disappear. Learn how to handle them instead. It's vital to successful time management.
8) "Time management is boring"
Traditional time management can be dull. Many of us aren't willing to suffer the
boredom even though we really do want to be more productive. Those last-minute rushes
are exciting, and there is an intense thrill in handling a crisis. We may pay a high
price for this excitement, but at least we're not bored.
But, you can get what you want from your time and still keep it as stimulating and
exciting as you want it to be.
9) "Isn't there a danger you'll get so organized you can't get anything done?"
Time management techniques can not control you. You are in charge of them. They are
only a passive collection of tools that you can use in any situation. You are the one
who is in control of your time.
10) "I need someone to motivate me"
The reality is that we are all in charge of our own feelings. You are in charge of
your own feelings. You don't wait for anyone else to inspire you. You can be your
own inspiration.
Beth Ann Leaf
Resource Specialist
CIAESC
For comments, suggestions, and/or ideas please email
Beth Ann Leaf.
