The Walking Guru – Self Empowerment in Action

Everything has changed. We are thrown into the unknown and many of us can’t just continue doing what they have always been doing. It is time to check if that, what used to work for us is still appropriate in terms of priorities and time management. A great moment to step out of the mouse-wheel and recalibrate!

“Time management” is the process of organizing and planning your time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter – not harder – so that you get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress.

You may feel resistance to spending time on planning your time. This might change your mind:

• Greater productivity and efficiency.
• A better professional reputation.
• Less stress.
• Increased opportunities for advancement.
• Greater opportunities to achieve important life and career goals.

Lack of good planning can result in:

• Missed deadlines.
• Inefficient work flow.
• Poor work quality.
• A poor professional reputation and a stalled career.
• Higher stress levels.

Here are 3 Time Management Basics everybody can apply easily:

1. Use Time Management Tools: Make a To-Do-List, Activity logs and an Action Plan to clarify what has to be done and the steps and time it takes to get it done.

2. Set personal smart goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) – Where do you want to be in 6 months? We need a direction to go towards, not just “have-to’s” in order to thrive. Focus on the feeling you get when you visualize your goal. That’s what fuels the process.

3. Make an Action-Priority-Matrix and/ or an Urgent-Important-Matrix to focus on what matters most. The Urgent-Important-Matrix or Eisenhower-Matrix is a great tool to overcome procrastination!

3. Know Thyself – every day a little better

If you know that you are a procrastinator, that you thrive on (ineffective) busyness, or that you stress yourself out without knowing how to relax, act upon it and make continuous development and learning part of your personal goals.

• When are you most productive? Plan your duties accordingly
• What distracts you most? Focus on not giving it attention during the scheduled time
• How much can you handle? Don’t take on too much. Don’t put more on your plate than you can handle. This demotivates and kills positive energy. Instead take on more, when you can do more.
• Take regular breaks. The benefit of breaks are huge. Even it it is only 3-5 minutes every hour or two. If you have a hard time to do so, maybe Einstein is a motivation for you: it is said that he had his biggest ideas, when taking a break. Have a glass of water, take some deep breaths, move your body walking a bit. Then go back fresh and energized.
• Make sure you are focused and concentrated? Improve by experimenting with simple exercises instead of thriving on stress and time pressure. Start meditation for free online!
• Remember your “Why’s” – what do you want to engage your body, mind and feelings for? Why?