Preparing for Commitment

Island of Commitment
Plan Through Commitment

Preparing for the Island of Commitment

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Enligh Time Suggestions
  • Now that we’ve moved from Humility on the first island and Awareness on the second, we continue to the theme of Island Three: Plan Through Commitment. We’ll examine some key elements that contribute to successful planning.

 

  • The first of these elements is time. Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have. We are continually battling to manage it more efficiently and effectively in the quest for more control over our lives. If you knew this already, perhaps you know that the greatest enemy of time management is procrastination. 

 
Top Ten Time Wasters and How to Overcome Them



  • Which time waster and solution applies the most to you?


  • 1. Smart Phones & Mobile Devices

    • Determine when it is appropriate to use your phone.
    • Learn proper phone etiquette.
    • Learn to be present in each moment and situation.
    • Learn to let your phone wait when involved with other priorities.

  • 2. Shifting Priorities

    • Make a list of essential tasks to accomplish each day.
    • Rate them in order of priority.
    • Estimate the time required for each task (be realistic and include a buffer period).
    • Carry forward any items not completed.
    • Use a daily planner.

  • 3. Lack of Priorities/Objectives

    • Apply the WIRA principle, Wywow, to help clarify your vision of what you need to accomplish. 
    • Set long-term goals, short-term goals, and then immediate goals.
    • Set clear, realistic dates for achieving your goals. 

  • 4. Attempting Too Much

    • Set a specific amount of time for your activities, so you don't spend too much time on one task and neglect another.  
    • Learn to say no.
    • Apply the 5 D's Principle ( Decide, Do, Delegate, Defer, or Dump)
    • Log tasks and activities into your daily planner
    • Give yourself a break and some rewards along the way as encouragement

  • 5. Television & Other Entertainment

    • Determine how much time you can allocate to entertainment
    • Engage in television and other entertainment only when it doesn't conflict with other priorities

  • 6. Ineffective Delgation

    • The concept of leverage is an important one. Work out how much your time is worth per hour. If possible, delegate tasks that don’t give you the highest leverage of your time.
    • Make a list of tasks you should do, those you can delegate (and to whom), and stick to your plan.

  • 7. Cluttered Environment/Losing Things

    • Set up a cleaning system (or have someone set it up for you).
    • Put a checkmark on the top of each document you handle. If you come across it more than three times, and it can still wait, apply the 5 D’s strictly!

  • 8. Lack of Self-Discipline/Procrastination

    • Have a chart or visual display of an important project placed where you can see it to maintain focus.
    • Get support from a loved one or close friend to help you. If you are working on a project with other people, partner with one of them for mutual support – it makes the job easier.
    • Be creative. Make things fun to do, so you want to do them.
    • If it’s too big, break up the task into smaller units and reward yourself along the way. 

  • 9. Inability to say No

    • Ask for time to consider before you agree to do anything. It’s easier to say no after a realistic look at your schedule.
    • Be honest. Explain your situation to others and ask if you can work out alternatives.

  • 10. Meetings

    • Be clear about the reason for the meeting and the desired output.
    • Set a specific amount of time for meetings, and make sure you honor your time frame.
    • Send the agenda and associated material beforehand so each participant can prepare more effectively.

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