So when we look at our lives, if we fail to control the events in our lives, then the events in our lives control us.

Simple?  Yes.  But how many of us say over and over, I have no time?  

We must first understand event control.  There are two things that have to do with this. The first part is: the events WE CANNOT CONTROL. Some examples are: traffic, weather, time of day, other people and your family.  The second part is: the events WE CAN CONTROL...examples are: the time I get up, the foods I eat, my exercise program and who my friends are.

The problem lies in the basic thought patterns of most individuals: There are some events in life I CANNOT control, but I believe I CAN.   There are some events in life I CAN control, but I believe I CANNOT.   We cannot control people, places or things.  The only thing we truly can control is OURSELVES. When we get involved in other peoples drama, we waste precious time.  We cannot change others thoughts and actions, they have to want to do it themselves. Only if THEY are ready to do this, will they do so.  No amount of nagging, selling or convincing will change someone's mind unless their mind is OPEN to CHANGE.

A popular thought for many is:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Reinhold Niebuhr   "the serenity prayer"

THE EFFECTS OF EVENT CONTROL

When we control our events, we have increased productivity, thus, higher self esteem.

People who feel good about themselves produce good results.

Ken Blanchard   "the One Minute Manager"

Isn't it true, that when you take the time to plan your day, you accomplish more than when you fly by the seat of your pants?  Isn't it rewarding to check off the things on your list and see what you have completed?  If you haven't done this, I strongly recommend you begin now.  Ideally, your first step is to get a day planner.  In that day planner, you will be able to plan your day from morning till night. The benefit of this is that you will be able to see exactly how you spend each hour of your day.

First, you begin with writing everything you need to do for that day. This includes everything from saying your prayers and brushing your teeth to having lunch with your most important client. Everything takes time! Next to each event, write done time it takes to do it.  Do this for one week to evaluate how you spend your time. 

Next you must plan your days events with priorities in mind. You will be using the letter A to indicate high value priorities, B for medium value and C for low value.

An A event is an event that is a must.  For example, a doctor’s appointment, picking up the kids from school, or a meeting with your boss.

A B event is an event that you should do.  For example, getting your car washed, going to the dry cleaners, calling your aunt Betty, sending a birthday card to your best friend.

A C event is an event that you could do, like reading a good book, studying your French, playing softball with your friends, or hitting the sale at the mall.

So when we look at our list, it is important to realize, that no matter what, we should get an A event accomplished.  Then we can go to the B's. C events are events that we can push to the next day, and are things we would like to fit in if time allows us.

What we realize when we schedule everything we do, like watching TV and talking to our spouse, is that we sometimes spend more time watching TV than we do to spending with our spouse!!!  Here lies the problem most individuals don't realize... we cannot make up time!  Once time is wasted, we cannot get it back!!!!!!  There will be time for re-runs of your favorite show, but if you show up for TV more than you do for your spouse... you may be watching those re-runs alone!!! You get the picture.

Optimum time management is: when my behavior is in line with my values.

What are the values that are governing your life? What are your governing behaviors? Are they in line with each other?

To help you to answer these questions, you must first figure out what your values are.

Here are some sample values:

I am honest
I am organized
I seek truth
I am a leader
I am financially secure
I love my family
I love God
I am physically fit
I am a good friend
I have a positive attitude
I have integrity
I grow intellectually
I am self sufficient
I seek excellence

You can list your own set of values.  Do these values parallel your behavior?  It is crucial to take a look at this. If your values are in line with your behavior, you are living authentically.  If not, you are living in conflict with your values and certainly does not create effective time management.

The first step to effectively manage your time is to align your values with your behavior. The second step would be to decide how you want to spend your day.  What is important and what is not?  By listing all the things you do each day, you can begin to see what it you spend your time doing.  Most of us waste so much time, but until we look at it in black and white, we can never SEE it.

We must live our every day life and fulfill our obligations.  Below I have included the Universal "To-Do" List that most people would agree keeps their lives very busy.  Maybe it is not exactly your list, but you get the picture.

Universal "To Do" List

Work:
(meetings, prospecting, marketing/publicity, desk tasks, planning, billing, reading, researching, writing, traveling)

Errands:
(Banking, cleaners, library, gas station, video store, post office)

Children:
(School, lessons, health, scouts, sports, car pool, clubs, play dates, parties)

Appointments:
(Health, fitness, beauty, car, animals)

Shopping:
(Food, clothing, drugstore items, home, gifts)

Correspondence:
(Bills, letters, cards, and packages)

Home:
(Cleaning, laundry, decorating, improvements, cooking, repairs, entertaining, gardening)

Family: holidays, get-togethers, reunions

Friends: dinner parties, hobbies, sports

Church/Community: church, fundraising, service projects

Personal:
(inspiration, introspection, rest recuperation, relaxation, grooming, creative excursions, educational, pleasurable pursuits)

Life is all about time.  You do have choices on how you want to spend your time.  Start by looking at why you waste time on the things you don't enjoy doing.  Evaluate the importance of these things.  Begin to schedule things in your life that bring you joy. Life is too short to live on borrowed time. When you begin to realize this, you will see the changes you can make. You will then begin to feel a sigh of relief when you have more time to spend on the things you cherish, and less on the things you don't.

The first thing we require of you is to go out and get a day planner. You can order one  directly from our web site. We have a link to Franklin Covey, the leaders in day planners and organizers. If you rather, go out to the store and buy one. Just do it!

(click on action steps now)