“Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.” -Carl Sandburg
Every human has a finite amount of time. How will you spend it?
Most people spend their “coin” of time on the expectations of others. We make things urgent, which are not, and do “busy work,” never getting meaningful results in your life, leadership, and art.
How can we break the curse?
Try this simple framework for managing your tasks, responsibilities, and time:
- Give the task a number of importance:
Is this a 10 and urgent?
Is it a 1, and can be done next year?
- Give the task a timestamp and/or deadline:
Does this need to be completed by tomorrow, the end of the week, next month, or next year?
Make a deadline.
- Tell your tasks where to live, and a why:
Now, you’re going to examine the urgency of these tasks. The ones needing immediate attention give them a place to live.
Talk to them:
*My task will get my attention on: {deadline}
*You will get my attention on this date because: {my why?}
Pay attention to your why because it reveals importance of the task, or maybe it’s not upon further reflection.
It also gives you a renewed motivation to do the task.
Example: My book project will get 500 words added by Friday. Why? I’ve always wanted to write a book, and help people with my ideas.
Example: My taxes will be paid by April 15th. Why? It’s only January, I don’t have the money, and it’s not urgent.
Talking about your tasks, responsibilities, and work can become a superpower. A powerful tool for relieving stress, worry, and living an intentional and purposeful life on your terms.
Not the dreams and expectations of others.
Try it and let me know how it goes?
-Ryan
