At our recent Program Development Leadership Cohort in-person Kick-Off, I collected ideas for follow-up professional development. One of the suggestions that came up was “Time Management.” It’s not a surprise—it is a perennial request. I often think, ” There are time management experts, and then there are…the rest of us.” I often feel overwhelmed by deadlines and search for tips, tricks, and practices for managing and, ideally, mastering my time.
A couple of years ago, while looking for sage advice about getting up earlier in the mornings (and going to bed earlier at night), I stumbled across a blog I liked from Laura Vanderkam, a writer, author, and time management specialist. I enjoyed her writing style and candor about life and getting more things done that we want to be known for. At the time, her book, Off the Clock, helped me to track my time, shift my schedule, and make decisions that helped me to get things done that I prized (over just doing what I had to do). I’ve gone on to read or listen to most of her books, and I do my best to follow her guidance (and then sometimes relisten. I have no shame in saying that I am a work in progress ?).
I thought I’d share a couple of her tips, including my application, in case they are helpful to you…
- Plan on Fridays. Vanderkam advocates for planning your week on Fridays (rather than Sundays or Mondays). This approach allows you to prioritize tasks, set goals, ensure a balanced schedule for the upcoming week, and, most importantly, wrap your head around next week before you are in it. I love this, and yes, I still need a refresher on Monday on what is to come, but reviewing the upcoming week and sometimes moving and shifting meetings so that I have enough time blocks to get deeper work done is monumental. Additionally, Laura encourages making time for this in a way that I look forward to that planning time (which doesn’t feel the same way if I wait until Monday).
- Establish a Consistent Bedtime. Yes – this will help you with your time management! Sleep is crucial for productivity. By setting a regular bedtime, you ensure adequate rest, which enhances focus and efficiency during the day…and certainly makes an early start much more achievable. Full disclosure: (for me) when going to bed early equates to scrolling through Instagram, it does not have the same benefits. However, 20 minutes of diving into a book read for joy…is restful and restorative.
- Embrace a ‘Three Times a Week’ Rule. In her book Tranquility by Tuesday, Vanderkam expounds that habits don’t have to be daily to be effective. Engaging in an activity three times a week can establish a consistent routine without overwhelming you or your schedule. Whether it is “make time to walk 10K steps a day 3 times a week”, “make time for deep work ( a 2hr block of no distractions) 3 times a week”, or “bring lunch 3 times a week”…this is a step toward progress without fear of failure. You can always do more than 3x a week – but there are no bad feelings if you only do 3 times a week (which isn’t too tough). This takes the pressure off, and helps me give myself a little grace when the day or week just doesn’t go as planned. Most of the time – 3 times a week is very achievable.
Implementing these strategies can transform your approach to time management, leading to a greater productivity and…whallah – a more balanced life. For more insights and resources, visit Laura Vanderkam’s website. https://lauravanderkam.com/
Recommended Reading or listening (from me ?) from Laura Vanderkam:
- Tranquility by Tuesday
- 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
- Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done
- I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time
- Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
- What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast
Other books about time management that I’ve found helpful:
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
- Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
- Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
One thought on “Managing, or perhaps someday, “Mastering” Time”
This is great, thank you for sharing! I’m especially a fan of the “Three Times a Week” rule in establishing routines- starting new routines can seem daunting sometimes so I like that way of thinking.
Simone White