If you know me, you know I am wearing too many hats and my proverbial plate overfloweth! Yet somehow I get it all done…so much so that at times I am very impatient with those who cannot juggle multiple responsibilities. Forgive me, I am only human after all equipped with my own set of pet peeves and idiosyncratic quirks. However, I am learning that not everyone is like me and, thank God! The world would have been a very boring, rigid and stiff place LOL! However, before I share how I manage my time, let me tell you what I do.
I am a part time student who is almost at the end of a four year research based master’s degree. I am a full time lecturer, course coordinator, research supervisor and faculty advisor to a University club. I tutor Spanish and Biology for CSEC and CAPE. In addition, I am a member of two organisations (one research and the other translation and interpretation). Oh and church! I sing, I teach, I moderate. Yeah, my life in a nutshell. Oops! I forgot about the mobile market thing that I do where I link customers (primarily coworkers) wth suppliers of organic, fresh produce (my neighbours). Name it and I will post it on my status and market it for you! I have even done deliveries for my friends’ businesses. I really do believe in supporting others while they are realising their dreams. And Yes! I exercise (thanks to Covid I am back on track), eat healthily, and sleep. Thanks to Covid again my bed, television and I are beautifully reunited and it feels so good 😍!
So how do I do it? Nothing supernatural and unheard of.
I prioritise! I have many things to do every single day, but they are not all due at once. So according to the deadline, I will prioritise what needs to be completed first. That could change on any given day.
I am disciplined! If you commit to a task just do it! Set a time and stick to it. If you are easily distracted remove your distractions. Initially it might require that you write out a detailed timeframe. Meaning, you write down your tasks along with the exact time you plan to dedicate to it. In that to do list be sure to include rests, meals, exercise time and of course the first thing would have been quiet time with God to start the day right.
I am understanding! Life happens! Emergencies arise! At times you might not be able to complete your list. It is okay! Especially if you gave it your best effort. Don’t be too hard on yourself. And in a moment of complete transparency, I must admit that I am still learning this one.
I take breaks! Regardless of how much you have to do, there is no price worth paying for your mental and physical health.
I say no! When persons realise that you are reliable they lean heavily on you. And when you are efficient, you get more work. It is not always clear cut which opportunities to accept and which ones to decline. However, saying no comes with much prayer and practice. The more you say it, the easier it becomes.
Oh did I mention that I am a new blogger? Yes, I forgot to add that to the previous list of things that I now do! Life evolves constantly. God is always switching it up on us. Always requiring us to level up!
So tell me something…when God comes knocking, will you manage your time to include what He wants?
How else do you manage your time that was not suggested above?
GMW