Previously Posted December 13, 2016
We all have the same 24 hours in each day as the next person. I have to remind myself of that several times a week. I look at my friends and admire how much they seem to get done; I then look at what I have accomplished for the day and wonder where I went wrong. So, I took to a little research.
I must be honest. When I looked at what qualifies one to be a “social butterfly,” I realized – I fit the definition to a “T.”
- I find it easy to start conversations with strangers while standing in line.
- It’s hard for me to do fun errands because there is always something else to celebrate or meet former co-workers for lunch, etc.
- Happy hour? Did someone say, happy hour? I’m in!
I am sure you have figured out what it is I need to master. Yes, time management.
It is good to have an outgoing personality, right? I like to make sure people are comfortable and I really love getting to know everyone’s story. However, when it comes to day-to-day activities, I struggle with my need to be social with my ability to focus and stay on task.
Here are some recommendations I have found to help with time management:
Know yourself
Keep a daily log for a couple of days. This must be the first step in the process. You need to know where you have been so you know where your going. My coach calls this “FU” homework. I know exactly why. It is hard to write down all the delays I experience during my working hours. Besides, I don’t have time for that! (I don’t have time because I am socializing?) Oh, the humility to experience the truth! However, when I look back and notice the times I stopped when I:
- checked in on someone (I needed them to know I care!),
- make a phone call where an email or text would suffice,
- decide the invitation to happy hour sounds great, and
- the blog I promised can really wait until 9 pm, only to be too tired when I get home to finish it.
Well, I realize my 24 hours that we all get in a day are not being utilized like they should be.
The importance of a daily log helps me to see when my most productive day occurs, when I am most creative, when a better time for administrative tasks is, and do I work better in 20-30 minute blocks or hunker down for a 3-hour tour (Did Gilligan just pop into your head?). It also helps to bring to light where my time is being ineffectively used.
Be respectful of other’s time
Okay, I want to publically apologize to my former co-workers. All those times when I walked up to your desk to “check” on you and you were working diligently and I started a conversation. My bad. I am sorry I took you away from your tasks at hand. I know, I know, not everyone appreciates a Chatty Kathy! That is all I am going to say about that – just know I am truly sorry.
One of the suggestions I read about was to create a reward system. I personally struggle with this. I should be able to master this whole time managements thing! Rewarding myself for accomplishing what I should have in the first place doesn’t sit well with me. I am going to try this suggestion. As I set my schedule, I will also be aware of the coffee break, quick phone call, etc. that awaits as I finish my task. I am already thinking about what I am going to reward myself with when I finish writing this blog! Focus Derlene, focus!
Make a schedule
Here is the hard part- stick with it! Part of the problem with being a social butterfly is overextending myself and creating scheduling conflicts. I have all kinds of excuses: I don’t want to hurt feelings, I feel guilty saying no, or what if I miss out on something. Plus, I really like people and their stories! (Did I mention that already?) I have tried using an online planner for my schedule; it doesn’t seem to work well for me. I am sticking with my paper calendar planner, that is what works well for me. It is different for each of us.
Put family first.
Until recently, I will confess, my family time was not a priority. I was too busy out helping others, doing my part to change the world. Yes, I missed out on some pretty significant opportunities. I will not beat myself up for that- been there, done that. It doesn’t serve me well. Instead, I have chosen to become wiser and learn through the choices in the past. Just this last weekend I went with my husband to California for a Christmas/Holiday party. We had a great time!
It seems I have a lot of work cut out for me. As I embrace my “social butterfly-ness” I will be more aware that there is a right place and a right time for chatting and catching up with friends.
How about you? What do you need to master? Would you agree it’s time!
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