Daily Musing #5

Time management seems like a hot topic in recent years. With multiple types being studied, pushed by influencers & businessmen, and written about, but why are people in such a variety of fields so enthralled by this concept recently?

I believe the answer lies in the ever-increasing pace at which society, and therefore our lives, run. We have more demands on our attention and time than ever before, from screens to productivity demands both at work and home, but we are also told there must be time for ourselves. So, having a guide to help maintain our focus throughout life, or just a day, is becoming mandatory.

I certainly can’t claim to have never lost time mindlessly scrolling, or to an activity that while fun wasn’t the right time for. And, to be honest, I don’t know anyone who can claim that either. This is not to lay blame at myself or others’ feet but to recognize the trials that helpful inventions have added to our lives. For it is only when we honestly recognize such frictions in our lives that we can identify solutions.

Solutions — this is an important word. I will not “punish” myself for being human. I simply wish to allow myself a pleasant ride on this journey (life). And I rarely feel good about myself or my life when I have lost days to a game, show, or movies. Allowing for some of such activities is necessary to manage stress, but getting lost in them and putting off tasks that will bring yourself and life to a better place will do precisely the opposite. And that is where time management shines!

The multiple methods for time management are not better or worse, in general, but rather for each individual, and may even be useful to the same person at different stages of their journey. So pick one and give it a try if it doesn’t fit for you, then try another. I do recommend giving it a couple of weeks. Changing the structure through which you operate your life is often a hefty task mentally, emotionally, and physically. And try just one at a time. Wait to layer or mix methods until you’re well-settled into a single method; otherwise, the shift will almost certainly overwhelm you, causing you to give up.

These are reminders I must give myself often, as layering and mixing them seem so fun while planning. However, attempting this too soon, too often, or with too much complexity nearly guarantees that I will be discouraged from this helpful practice.