Control your time

Run, run, run. Get this and that done. Life is a rollercoaster. It just seems like one is going from pillar to post in search of happiness, satisfaction and contentment. But those very things elude us. Why is that so?

Somewhere we all seem to have forgotten that life is for living and not for running around. It’s about stopping, observing and revelling in the glories of our life and not just finishing one task and then the next and then the next. It is more about managing time effectively. Nothing more. How does one do that?

Balance is the key
Life is about balance. Balance in everything is what makes this entire universe operate. It has to be between work and fun activities as well. If you wish to achieve a balance, begin by estimating how much we can achieve in a particular amount of time. Then try and strike a balance. It makes life easier to handle.

Know yourself
Knowing yourself is an essential component of time management. You will be able to utilise your time well only by knowing what you can and cannot do. If there is something you know is beyond your abilities, knowledge and skills, then do not hesitate in seeking advice and help. That would surely save you a lot of time and distress at not being able to complete tasks.

Be realistic
Have realistic expectations from yourself. Match your work with your skills and abilities. Do not impose tough demands on you. Instead, have a realistic understanding of what you can and cannot do and assess your capability to achieve something accordingly.

Go for smaller portions
Sometimes looking at a task in its entirety can deter you from completing it as it may overwhelm you. To avoid this, break the task into small manageable portions. Handle and finish one thing at time, ultimately reaching your whole goal.

Learn to schedule
Develop your work schedule and function according to it. Again be realistic in the number of things that you put on your plate. Start small at first, and then improvise on your schedule to add more things as you get used to it. Chalk out exactly how much time you have for each activity and then proceed accordingly.

Set your private deadlines such that work can be accomplished quickly.

The author is a psychiatrist, and chief, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Healthcare

First Published: Nov 30, 2010 11:09 IST