Time Management has become the new catch phrase to describe when one isn’t working as efficiently as they could be. When I look at time management, it breaks out into two areas: Proactive Time; which is when you initiate something and put it into action and Reactive Time; which is when you respond to something when it comes your way.
Everyone seems to be waiting for something to happen faster so they can quickly move on to the next thing. Response time is completely distorted these days. We jump to respond to a text message but put our phones on forward when an incoming call interrupts what we are doing. And then there is LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and all the other social media tools which can track where someone is.
I believe the part of time management that is missing is more on the Proactive Time. We are spending lots of time in Reactive mode and not shifting over to Proactive mode. Face it, reactive mode is very enticing, it calls us- urgently and we respond quickly. We feel needed, it is comfortable, low-risk and we get a sense of accomplishment.
Not in Proactive mode, we move into the unknown. When we decide to shift into proactive mode, we must come prepared and must be patient with results- which we may not see right away. Here are 8 ways to shift from reactive to proactive in 2010:
1. Start with your end result- what would you like to accomplish
2. Plan, plan, plan, plan your strategy
3. Wake up your value system and decide what really matters and how important it is for you
4. Dedicate and commit time; an investment that pays off in the long terms
5. Make clear choices and maintain your focus
6. Add consistency and frequency to your efforts; get a momentum going
7. Borrow some inspiration from others to stay motivated and on track
8. Maintain your balance
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