MANAGE YOUR TIME/MANAGE
YOUR LIFE
PART 4
Years
ago I worked for a Christian organization. I really enjoyed my work.
Like most organization I was required to go through a yearly review
process. A yearly review can be helpful in keeping you on the right
track.
But
I will never forget one review. It was a good review. But my
supervisor gave me this important suggestion. “Dan, you need to
keep a “to do” list.
There
was a reason why Dave made this suggestion. I would sometimes forget
to follow through on important items. Occasionally I would drop
important balls.
I
responded by saying this to Dave. “I do keep a “to do” list.
Dave
then raised this question. “Then what is the problem?”
Finally,
I gave him this simple answer. “I keep forgetting to look at my “to
do” list.
We
have looked at creating your mission statement and goals. Now it is
time to place your mission and goals into action on a day to day
basis. I have found one of the best ways to stay on track with your
mission and goals is the proper use of a “to do” list.
At
the beginning of each month I write out my “to do” list. In order
to accomplish this task, some people find it helpful to get away for
the work place noise. Perhaps you will find it helpful to do your
monthly “to do” list at a local coffee shop, or some other quite
place.
For
the month I make two list. I make a list for what I want to
accomplish in my personal life and in my work. I then place a star
beside the items that I must accomplish in the month ahead. The items
with a star have to be accomplished no matter what happens in my
life.
Don't
be frustrated if you have items that need to be carried over into the
next month. That's just part of life. Besides a project may take more
than one month. For example, I have been working on a Bible study
series for pastors. It's called “Philippians for Pastor.” I have
been working on this project for over a year. And that's OK.
Next
I plan my week. My week begins on Tuesday. So I normally plan my week
on Tuesday morning. I simply look at my monthly list, and decide what
I must accomplish for the week. I include all appointments and
projects that I need to accomplish in the week ahead.
Finally,
I plan my day. I simply make a list each morning what I need to
accomplish for the day. You may find it hepful to do your daily list
the night before. You may even find it helpful to arrive at work
fifthteen minutes early to make out your list.
Life
is full of busy work. There may be things on your list you do not
really what to do. But they have to be done. The important thing is
to make sure you plan each month, week, and day in light of your
mission and goals. When this happens your “to do” list becomes a
tool rather than a burden.
Remember
years ago I told my supervisor that I kept forgetting to look at my
“to do” list. I am glad to report I no longer have this problem.
For years I have faithfully kept my “to do” list. And I regularly
look at the list to make sure I am accomplishing what God has given
me to do. My list is an important tool to stay on track to accomplish
my mission in life.
