Sometimes I yearn for order. A tidy desk, a house that's neat and a mind that's clear. Where everything is in its place and there are refreshing spaces between. Where things are done in sequence and come to a logical and ordered conclusion. Where those endless jobs one day will get done.
The reality is far from that – a messy desk, a cluttered house and a mind that streams in a thousand directions. Tasks tumble over each other leaving the dinner burnt whilst a project gets finished.
My bookshelves are filled with books on managing time. I practice the techniques and I teach what I learn. Don't get me wrong; it makes a difference, and things get done.
But I've begun to think that our search for the ultimate time management solution is really a search for order amidst chaos. That if only we use the right strategy then that tidy desk, uncluttered mind and all those jobs will fall into place. That the right technique will tame the chaos around us.
Sadly, I’m coming to the conclusion that this is not the case. I didn't realise the myth (dream, wish, hope?) that prevailed until I read 'The One Thing' by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The key idea of this great book is that if we focus on the right one thing, it will make everything else easier or no longer necessary. We will be more focused and get the important stuff done. Yep – we love that idea!
But there's a kicker. They also warn that by focusing on the one thing, the chaos around can deepen. Those other less important things don't get done and don't always go away. They say we need to be able to live with that.
Bang – the myth explodes. You mean if I focus on the things that are important they will get done, but all those other things won't?! No magic order emerging? No neat house? Damn!
The deep truth of getting things done is that we won't ever get it all done. Our 'to do' list will be with us when we die. The myth is that time management will create order out of the chaos. But life itself is inherently chaotic.
We can't really manage time, but we can choose how we use it. So, if that's the case, the real question begs: how do we best use our time? What in our life is truly important, gives our lives its richness, contributes to the world?
Focusing our time is like turning on a desk lamp. It sheds light on what's important, while the rest fades into the shadows.
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– Helen Rees is Director of Frameworks for Change – a company dedicated to transforming workplace culture. If you’re interested in delving deeper into time and priority management, we have an upcoming workshop with Frameworks consultant Trish Maluta. To find out more, follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-your-brainspace-to-fit-your-workspace-tickets-76180292305