3 Time Management Lies That Hold You Back

Everybody wants more time. I just checked Amazon.com and saw that a search for “time management” pulls up almost 8,000 products. There are so many time management theories out there that claim to be “the one.”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution … everyone thinks differently, works differently, and has different needs. In the final analysis, you’ll likely get the best results from borrowing techniques from multiple sources and creating a solution that custom fits your lifestyle.

But there are three common misconceptions that people have when it comes to time management that can totally ruin your chances of doing it effectively, so I want you to be aware of them in case you need to take action to avoid falling into the same trap. Here goes:

#1 – You need to create a massive, perfect system right now.

Now, this sounds like a good idea – start from scratch and create a completely organized, perfect system that takes care of all of your problems. Unfortunately, that rarely works in the real world. Effective time management requires building a number of skills and disciplines, and to try it all at once is generally an invitation to failure.

Don’t try to change everything at once. Just make a small change today. Decide you’re going to get better at capturing tasks so they don’t get lost in the shuffle. Decide you’re going to set aside 15 minutes a day to return phone calls so they don’t stack up. Do something simple, get the hang of it, and then add something else to the mix. That’s much more reasonable and much more likely to stick long term.

#2 – If you can’t make someone’s system work, you’ve failed.

Few things are more depressing than purchasing a program, then failing to be able to put it into practice. It’s hard to handle. But you can’t let it get you down. In reality, only a fraction of any time management program will mesh 100% with your needs and your lifestyle.

So rather than beat yourself up about not being able to put it into practice perfectly, go in with the mindset that you’re going to pull out what works for you and forget about the rest. Remember – as long as you can pull *something* out of a program that can help you with time management, you’ll be reaping the rewards for decades.

#3 – The time management system will fix everything.

Oh, if only it were true. Remember, a time management system’s function is to lay out a process of how to use your time more effectively, but the limiting factor is still your willingness to put it into practice. No matter what system you try out, you have to focus on developing your own personal discipline to follow through. So as you go through a system, note where you’re having follow through programs and make fixing that your top priority.

Take each of these points to heart and you’ll walk into your personal time management journey from a position of strength.

So go take that action you know you need to for today. Find just one way you can be a better manager of your time, just for today. Do it now. You’ll thank yourself for it.

All the best -

Dave Navarro