The Biggest Time Management Mistake You Can Make
Most time management problems are really motivation problems in disguise. Procrastination, lack of balance and a failure to delegate are merely symptoms of a bigger issue. From my experience, the biggest time management mistake that you can make is not being clear on what you value.
This lack of clarity will cause you to procrastinate, and spend time with the wrong people doing the wrong things. So, how do you become clear on what you value so that you have more time and experience less stress?
Your 90th Birthday
Close your eyes and imagine that you have traveled forward in time to a 90th birthday celebration banquet being held in your honor. Who is in the room and what are they saying about you? You are asked to speak and you make the following statement: “I have lived a great life because I achieved my dream to ….” Whatever comes after the word “to” represents what you value. The people that you imagine as being in the room and the words they use to describe your life are also a part of your value system.
Your Personal Mission Statement
The next step is to create a written personal mission statement. Your personal mission statement is a statement that summarizes the core values and beliefs that you discovered in the 90th birthday visualization exercise. It can be as brief as three words or as long as three paragraphs.
Taking the time to do this will imprint your purpose and values firmly in your mind and serve as the guide for future decisions. For example, my personal mission statement is as follows: “To serve God, provide for my family, and to inspire current and future generations through my writing and speaking.” My daily actions and priorities are a reflection of this mission statement.
If you feel that you lack balance in your life, there are two possible root causes:
You have not clearly defined your personal mission.
You have made choices that don’t line up with your personal mission.
Completing the 90th birthday exercise and writing out your personal mission statement will give you a clear picture of what you value and keep you from making the most common time management mistakes. If you found this to be helpful, please share this message via your social networks!
Sincerely,
Eric M Twiggs
Your Procrastination Prevention Partner
PS. I have written an ebook that will help you to maximize your time so that you are ready for your defining moment. Get your copy now.