How to Be Better With Your Time Management
If you’re only doing certain necessary activities because it feels like you should, ask yourself if there’s a way to accomplish them more effectively through a third party.
Do it yourself
In my house, we have a saying, “If it matters, you’ll find time for it.” There are some things you just can’t avoid (e.g. doctor’s appointments, prepping for family to visit, building a presentation for your boss). These are the must-dos of being an adult. Here’s where prioritization meets organization. When assessing my three-page to-do list, I threw out page three because I never would make time to replace the plastic seat adjustment handle in my car, I paid others to do page two including swapping curbside pickup for grocery store trips, but I still have to figure out how to most effectively own the remaining tasks. These are not only ones that lie squarely in my lane, but they’re also the ones where I need to be present and in the moment. For me, this includes coaching cheer practice, eating dinner at the table each night with my family, getting adequate sleep, training in the gym, and being fully engaged when prepping for each client meeting. After separating the wheat from the chaff, the activities that require my personal attention are doable if I stay focused and organized. Of course, organization is a completely separate rabbit hole to dive into.
Prioritization is the first of many steps to make each day a little less stressed and start spending the 24 hours in your day a bit more deliberately. If you do, you might actually have time to catch up on the next episode of Stranger Things.
Lisa Jaster, PMP is currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and one of the first three women to graduate the elite United States Army Ranger program in 2015. She graduated at age 37, while the average trainee age is 23. Lisa creatively juggles her civilian career, family life, and personal interests. She is a Partner and Senior Contributor at Talent War Group as a keynote speaker and executive coach. She is also on the board of the Directors of two non-profits, Team Red, White, and Blue as well as Dive Pirates. Lisa retains her sanity through strength training and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is married to Marine Col. Allan Jaster, also a reservist and principle/owner of the Financial Advising Firm, Archer Consulting. Lisa and Allan have two children together, Zachary and Victoria, and live in New Braunfels, Texas.