Many of you are familiar with the song, "One day at a time..." and are well aware that time management and making life changes are works of 'today.' Yet, there remains a constant demand for time management articles, tips, books, consultants and audio courses. The need to remind ourselves of what we already know is just a fact. When you find your time slipping away, and recognize a need for change, what you're really looking for is the way to create new habits. This article is the first in a series; an introduction to investing your time wisely.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard
Success is a Lifestyle
Success isn't a destination; it is the product of all our days strung together - the quality of our journey. Success isn't a place, a who, or a what. Success is a lifestyle.
The principles of effective time management are the same as achieving success in most things, whether we're talking about education, horse training, Bible study, or marriage. Every one of us gets overwhelmed at times, and need to routinely revisit the simple truths of how to live wonderful lives.
Life is All About Today
The first concept of time management and creating new habits is recognizing that the only time we have to work with is today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow never truly arrives... each sunrise brings a new today. And, no one has an advantage over anyone else when it comes to time. We all have 24 hours in the bank each day. Our success depends on how we invest it.
Until next time, focus on your present habits of time management. How is your life currently programmed to handle time and scheduling issues? Are you a list maker? Do you actually get everything on your list done? Does your head hit the pillow at night thinking only about what didn't get done today, instead of being grateful for the joy of the day that now ends as you prepare for new opportunities tomorrow?
Thoughts to Ponder
When training horses we look for a one-percent improvement in skills each day. Simple logic tells us that in one hundred days we will arrive at our training destination for a particular exercise. Are your daily goals realistic? A habit of small improvements is the best predictor of great success.
As a horse trainer I always began my day by riding the most challenging horse first. My patience was the greatest, I was fresh, and by working for that one-percent improvement, and always quitting on a high note - I was in a great place to enjoy the rest of the day. Try doing the task you like least first, then get after your list for the rest of the day.
How Important is Today?
"The man who says each morning upon awaking that this will be his last day on earth will one day be right. " Unknown
