Don't Focus on Time Management - Try Resource Management Instead

[Kerul Kassel]

All of my clients hire me because there's something they want they haven't yet been able to accomplish on their own. They know they need to not only do things different, but see things differently, too, they just don't know how. Usually, they've focused on improving their time management so they can fit more in, but this is a narrow and limiting trap.



I suggest they focus on what I call "resource management". These resource not only include time, but also available energy, effort, motivation, systems and processes (of various kinds), environmental structure, support, money, and more.



You may recall that last month I wrote about partnering with others as a strategy to help you follow through with goals. That strategy employs a number of resources: motivation (in the form of accountability), support (encouragement from your partner), systems (the phone, email, reminders, etc, that you use in your partnering relationship), and process (the goal tracking that you both use to help you follow through from one interaction to the next).



By considering all available resources, not just time, when planning and following through on your objectives, you'll probably take less time and energy. For some tasks you might realize that you can delegate, barter, or hire in help, thereby reducing your time commitment to near zero. There will likely be other tasks for which certain processes and systems can be put in place that so that finishing requires less motivation from you and expedites the accomplishment.



Btw, there are loads of strategies in my book Productive Procrastination, available at http://www.productiveprocrastinationbook.com/kerul-kassel-books.html .



PROCRASTIVITY TIP / EXERCISE

Below are a number of exercises to choose from. Pick one or two and experiment with them. Remember to have a playful, experimental attitude so that you remain encouraged and lighthearted (the opposite really reduces your available energy to continue tweaking your self-leadership.

If you didn't try the partnering exercise last month give it a whirl this month. If you deleted last month's newsletter and want another copy, just email me and I'll send it to you.

Use your calendar more effectively by scheduling appointments with yourself to work on tasks, committing to time slots anywhere from 30 minutes to 30 hours. Employ reminders (use your computer, PDA, voicemail, or cellphone) to help bump you into action.

Reorganize the top of your desk, as well as your computer desktop, so that it works more intuitively for you. Remove anything you don't use (at least weekly).to a farther distance, such as a drawer, file cabinet or storage (including electronic folders, and electronic storage hardware and/or services). Clearing your space clears your mind. Less clutter, less friction, less struggle, and more ease and speed.

Similarly, declutter and resolve other areas that are reducing your energy and motivation. End or resolve situations/relationships that are "energy vampires". Set boundaries and stick to them (you can always ask for help in sticking to them). Declutter your spaces (one drawer at a time is fine). Get enough rest and good nutrition so that you have ample energy to accomplish what you're aiming for.

Let go of misplaced expectations, "shoulds", "ought-to's", and any goals that aren't well-aligned with what you really value.

Try one or two, and email me about your experience!

Wishing you optimal procrastivity,

Kerul