The true definition of time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities.
We all grew up being taught to make check lists, calendars, and our ideal schedules…
…But time management is actually emotional.
When looking at your calendar, it is key to pick out what you are emotionally invested in, and what you are not so emotionally invested in. Now, when we say emotionally invested, we just mean that you want to spend time doing that task and you put your whole heart into it, and just the opposite if you are not emotionally invested.
If you are not as emotionally invested in a specific task, you need to reevaluate how important it is that you get it done.
We all have tasks that we are not invested in, but just need to get completed… so when is the best time to do them?
Did you know that you only have 4 hours of productive work time each day? Our brains can focus on hard tasks for a total of 4 hours a day – a short period of time.
For me, my most productive hours are in the morning from about 7:00am-11:00am. I know that if I have a task that I am dreading, I need to knock it out right away in the morning. I will be more productive the rest of the day, because I can focus on tasks that excite me when I am not in my most productive state.
Time management is all about deciphering when you are your most productive self, and choosing specific tasks to complete at certain times throughout the day.
The truth is, we are all busy….
And knowing you only have 4 productive hours in a day can add even more stress to your schedule, or it can help you decide where and what to spend your time on.
Instead of making a thousand lists of tasks to complete, try making a list of the things you want to do, and the things you don’t really want to do but have to do. Place them strategically throughout your day when you will be at your best to complete them.
We also know that figuring out all of this stuff can be hard… especially if you have the wrong mindset or you are doing it alone. We are experts in changing your mindset and time management, so we’d love to help you.
Lastly, we wanted to share a little tip we learned from a dear friend. It’s called the 5×5 rule.
The 5×5 rule states that you should not spend more than 5 minutes worrying about something that won’t matter in 5 years.
If some of your tasks that you are not emotionally invested in won’t matter in 5 years… don’t even worry about it. Your time is much better spent investing in something that will impact you today, tomorrow, and in 5 years.