Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Time Management Important

If you don't manage your time it will be managed for you. It will be scheduled and stolen by others who need you. Time invested in the process of living is as important as the tangible, measurable things.

Good relationships don't just happen, they take time and pay great rewards. To sit on the porch and watch the sun go down may seem unproductive to some  but if it leaves you rejuvenated and ready to give your all to a project, then it is time well spent.

If you're aggravated with yourself for wasting time perhaps you have never taken the time to set down specifically what you want to accomplish. Make lists. Be reasonable. You will only assure disappointment if your list is unrealistic.

One reason we don't accomplish all we would like to is that we allow time-wasters to steal our precious hours and minutes. Diane Jones, family consumer science specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, lists some common time wasters:

Procrastination: This can be avoided by setting a time limit, a deadline for yourself, with specific goals. You will be less likely to procrastinate. You might also reward yourself when the job is finished.

Misunderstandings: When receiving or giving assignments, make an effort to assure yourself that everyone involved fully understands. If things are not done right the first time, when will you have time to do them over?

Interruptions: If you need to work in isolation, go to a library or other quiet place. Things to do at home can always get in the way. The phone may ring constantly. A note on the door can discourage interruptions. Schedule your activities so you will be alone when quiet is needed. When you can deal with interruptions, do things that aren't affected by having others around.

Lack of preparation: Plan before meeting with others. Know what points you need to cover and what answers you want  and expect the same of them. Let others know you are busy and that it is important to you that they give things some advance thought.

Perfection: This can reduce your productivity. Give frank consideration to just how important perfection is to each task facing you. Extreme perfection is an unrealistic use of time. This is not to suggest that you compromise your standards  just be realistic.

Clutter: If you can't find it, you lose considerable time searching. "A place for everything and everything in its place" is still the ideal situation.

Decisions: If too many basic decisions require your attention, you lose time. Help others to develop the ability to make decisions. Make decisions at the lowest level possible.

Learning to manage your time is a useful skill for anyone  at work or in the home. Information on this and other management topics is offered through the Cooperative Extension Service, whose Clark County office is at 501 Clay Street in Arkadelphia.