Time Management Techniques 101 - Functional Versus Dysfunctional

Time Management Techniques

Are something we all have whether we realize it or not, whether they are functional or dysfunctional, and whether they are created consciously or by default.

We Don't Always Realize It

When we handle situations out of habit, maybe because someone else does it that way or just because we've always done it the same. An example of this would be spending all day on Saturday doing laundry instead of a load every day.

Sometimes These Techniques Are Functional

--such as combining errands--and sometimes they are dysfunctional or harmful--such as going through the drive-through at McDonalds on a hectic soccer practice night.

A Conscious Strategy

Might include, for instance, crock pot cooking or left-overs on that same soccer practice night. While an example of a default technique would be waiting to perform maintenance on your computer until you actually need to be on it.

Let's Break This Soccer Night Practice Down Into Bite-Sized Chunks.

OK, you know at least three things:

1. Soccer practice is every Monday night. This is not something that the coach decided to do just for the sake of making your life harder. Also, it's not like he didn't let you know just so it could throw your whole life in a tailspin. You knew when you signed Junior (or Junioress) up that there would be time commitments. And when you signed that consent form and paid the money, you were agreeing that you would modify your life during soccer season to accommodate time for the coach to yell at your kid (we love you, Coach).
2. You know your family still likes to eat, even though soccer practice interferes with the normal dinner routine (if there is a normal routine). Now, if we add 1+2 we get...
3. Therefore, you need to plan, in advance (such nasty words here, huh?) for a quick, easy and nutritious meal for the family. So, the above scenario would be you not realizing (hopefully) that you were using a dysfunctional default technique.

The Flip Side

Would be utilizing a functional conscious time management technique. Think of this, before soccer practice Jr. eats a small but nutritious meal.

Meanwhile, The Real Meal

Is simmering in the crock pot (e.g., stew) or slowly finishing cooking in the oven (e.g., potroast) or is a casserole in the fridge waiting to be warmed up (e.g., shepherd's pie made with left-over spaghetti sauce).

When Junior is finished with soccer practice he will eat a bigger more nutritious meal and you will also have saved money while being a good role model for thriftiness and nutrition.

Do I Need To Point Out

How this time management technique is an all around win-win situation?

You know, we only have one life and only so much time in which to live that one life. Why not learn all we can about living it to the fullest. Too, we have our children under our proverbial "wing" for only so long. We need to concentrate on making memories with those children that will be with them for the rest of their lives. In general we should be making as much time available for those (people and things) that matter the most to us. So if you'd like to learn so much more about time management in general or maybe just need a little reassurance that you're not doing so bad visit me at http://www.theremustbeabetterway.net and pick up some more tips, tricks, strategies and techniques. Also, check out http://www.squidoo.com/timemanagementtechniques101