Everyone wants a time management system that works. One they can stick with. One that’s not a pain in the butt.
What does that even mean?
A system that works, looks like this:
- It empowers you to do the things you want and need to do.
- It aligns with your personality.
Without those two characteristics, your “system” will be little more than a burden.
That’s why I use paper. Even though it’s far more convenient and modern to use a digital system.
Keep this in mind:
- Time management (and focus and diligence, et al.) is an ever-moving target. As seasons of life change, and as priorities change, it helps to make sure you’re still spending your time well.
- There’s not a “one size fits all” system. What works for that girl over there may not work for you, and what works for you may not work for others.
- Being focused with your time takes work. (If you’re looking for something that requires no maintenance, no thought, and zaps you into an organized, stress-free, productive individual let me know if you find it.)
The reason I use a pen and paper is because I enjoy it. The analog aspect adds a bit of joy, which, in and of itself, is enough grease for the skids to keep me on track with using my system.
I’m also stubborn enough that I stuck with my system long enough that it became a part of my day, and it’s no longer something I have to fiddle with. If you’re trying to incorporate something new into your life, it may be a few months before it takes root.
The details of how I manage my time, while they may be interesting, they aren’t all that important. It’s the underlying principles that inform my time management system. Ideas that can be used in any time management system no matter how busy or not someone is.
Diligence and focus are not personality types; they are skills that can be learned.