The book Tell your time* is about developing a schedule so you can complete the things you want to do. It’s a short book (which seems appropriate for a book about making the most of your time) with a lot of great information packed into the pages.
Are your daily activities moving you toward where you want to be, or are you swept up in the tumult of your to-dos?
We all know there is a limited number of hours in the day and I’ve written about struggling to get on top of things and getting things done. Although I’d read good reviews about Tell your time, I was dubious it would work for me because I like flexibility. I’ve tried schedules in the past and they haven’t work, maybe because I haven’t been focussed enough to keep to them! I read the book hoping to pick up a few
I read the book hoping to pick up a few ideas, but was so impressed by the process I reread it straight away, this time doing the exercises. This is the first book I’ve read that takes you through the process of working out what activities are important to you and how to arrange them into a schedule that will help you work towards yours goals. Amy includes her answers for each exercise which I found very helpful to see what she is thinking at each stage and how it builds up.
Our problem is not a conscious choice to abandon our goals but an unconscious aversion to waiting and working.
My schedule
I’ve only been using my schedule for a week so can’t say how well it works for me, but I can say that I’m excited at trying it (which I never thought I’d say about a schedule). However, I’m already noticing changes as I’m feeling calmer and in control instead of busy and bewildered.
I’ve also used the process to create a schedule at work. My time is pretty much free to arrange as I see fit, but for the next year I’m going to have a lot of different activities to do and I thought this may help me ensure the most important one gets done. I haven’t used it yet but the process has been very enlightening, with me scheduling tasks that I hadn’t thought to do before but will significantly help with my job. I’m looking forward to returning after the summer holidays to give it ago (of course the biggest challenge maybe following the schedule as opposed to the latest request I get).
Effective time management isn’t key to a completed to-do list, its the key to an accomplished life
If you are struggling with how to fit things into your available time or to make progress towards your goals I highly recommend Tell Your Time. The exercises have already made a difference to the way I view my tasks and time. You can buy a Kindle* or PDF version.
*Disclosure: this is an affiliate link which means if you buy an item after clicking on it I will earn a percentage of the value you spend, but it will not cost you any thing extra.
Trying my first Big Mac