The Problem with Time Management

The Problem with Time ManagementI have concerns about some of the reasons people use time management techniques.

I also think the phrase can be misleading. Here’s why:

Time doesn’t need managing. It’s YOU that needs managing!

The problem for me is that sometimes time management can divert attention from resolving underlying problems permanently that would create lasting solutions that would then no longer require managing.

That doesn’t mean I am anti time management at all. Far from it. The problem with time management strategies is that they are often used inappropriately – and that is what concerns me. What we are often doing is using time management to manage ineffective behaviour patterns and bad habits instead of using them for improving productiveness and effectiveness. An important distinction.

So instead, I chose to focus on, what I call, self management.

Focussing on self management is about finding lasting changes to ineffective behaviour patterns and bad habits. Whereas time management often is about managing these problems. Self management deals with real change that delivers tangible results. Hence my preference for focussing on self management, not time management. You are going to dramatically increase your effectiveness if your remove problem areas totally rather than putting things in place to manage them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting you throw out the current methods you use to get things done or that time managment tools don’t have a place. What I am suggesting is this……

Focusing on self management more than time management is more likely to give real solutions, lasting change and effective habits that naturally produce results.

So here is a tip…..the solution lies in your mindset.

Let me explain……

If every time a bad habit or behaviour pattern surfaces your immediate mindset is to put a time management technique or tool in place to manage it, you are going to be forever in managing issues mode, not creating lasting solutions mode.

The key is to create a mindset that looks inside yourself to the source and solution first and techniques to manage issues second.

Remember: always look inside before you look outside! The key to real change always starts on the inside, with you and your mindset.

What do you think? Would love to hear your experiences on this subject.


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  • Mike Korner

    Time management is definitely a weird concept Ali. You can't manage time any more than you can manage the weather, and both are going to happen today regardless of what we do. “Self management” might be too broad of a term though — does it include breating, eating, being smart enough to sleep, etc., too? I don't think it is time we are managing; I think we are managing priorities. I wonder if priority management is a better term.

  • http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

    Hi Mike, totally agree it isn't time we are managing. I like your suggestion
    of managing priorities. Much more fitting.

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  • http://www.6aliens.com Ben Lumley

    Time management is one of those things, as you say Ali that we use to blame for our own failures. Time ticks along at the same rate, regardless of how much you tried to manage it.

    Self management is the key

  • http://alidavies.com/ Ali Davies

    Totally agree. Taking responsibility for everything going on in our business and personal lives is much more likely to deliver real results rather than focussing on things outside ourselves that we can't actually control.