Which time management technique is the best for personal efficiency?
Posted on May 10, 2022 by Maria Govinda Ivashchenko, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
To answer this question I would propose to start with fundamentals...
Spoiler: None
If you have come to read this article then you may feel something is wrong with your productivity.
I’m sure you have noticed how many time-management books you can find on shelves in a bookshop……sorry, in a search on an e-book shop. Literally every title says – HERE IS THE BEST TIME MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE for you! But which really is THE ONE?
To answer this question I would propose to start with fundamentals: being a productive person is not only about random time management technique(s) – it is about having your own personal time management system. What is this system about?
Working with clients on personal productivity, I can surely declare that the time management system looks like a triangle, where time management tools are only one point (top) of a triangle. The other two – are personality (or personal issues that hinder – usually referring to psychological issues), and external circumstances. They are all interconnected and dependent.
Meaning that you can’t just randomly pick up some time management tool and push yourself to high productivity. If you ignore the other two parts of this system, sooner or later r you fake it (will lose)
For example, we have Lina, she is a mom of 18-month-old twins and she plans everyday very carefully, but at the end of the day she realizes that she failed and can’t complete even half of her plans. She pushes herself harder for accountability, but day by day she feels more and more unable. Why? She didn’t fully consider her current life situation – like being a mom and taking care of twins. That really takes time and energy, and for a period Lina’s availability has become even more limited. So, instead of applying different techniques of planning, Lina has to lower the bar of self-requirements and expectations during this period, or ask for a nanny’s help. Do you understand why the system is so important?
Another example. Jane has very controlling parents, who used to decide everything in Jane’s life – where to study, which job to take, where to travel and with whom. Jane used to adapt and could do anything to bring joy to her parents, but she didn’t feel joy and satisfaction for herself. Being a 30-year-old lady, Jane doesn’t know what she really wants in her life and what her real goals are; because she doesn’t know her real identity. And when it comes to achieving HER goals, she procrastinates, doubts and pushes herself harder for accountability and productivity; but fails, because she hasn’t experienced living HER own life, she doesn’t have enough trust and support for what she is trying to do. And it’s not about time management tools, it’s about the system that includes personality and circumstances.
These are two very loud stories that showcase the importance of having an interconnected system of personal productivity.
So when a client asks me to recommend some time management tool, I start with a diagnostic questionnaire in order to get the full picture of the real issues that stop them from personal efficiency, and tools are secondary. System is deeper. Once you understand your personal system, you can pick up the tool that will serve your personality and circumstances the best. Always.
So are you still looking for the best tool or are you ready to build your system?
