You have to give some to get some. The old adage is usually
applied to money but it is also true of time. 

You have to give some to get some. The old adage is usually
applied to money but it is also true of time. 
 
When we are very young or very old, time seems endless. But for
the majority of our lives, time is something we always need. 
 
We are always pressed for time or seem to owe time to others
from our bosses to our families. Time is such a valuable
commodity so we need to make sure that we use it carefully.
Careful use of our time means one thing -- time management. 
 
The sad truth is that most of us who are really in need of time
management rarely utilize it. However, spending time on this
simple four-step plan named "TIME" can really make a difference
in your day, your life, and your time! 
 
T Is For Taking Time To Plan 
 
Every minute spent on planning and organizing will save at
least that amount of time when you implement your plan.
Shopping trips taken without a list often result in wasted
time, errands run without prior planning often mean wasted
time, and tasks not properly organized often mean wasted time.
We all know this is true and yet we still rush forward in our
haste to get something done. Take time to plan and you will be
more efficient. 
 
I Is For Involving Others 
 
Whether at work or at home, involving other crucial
stake-holders in your planning and prioritizing can help you
attend to the essentials and share the work. Others may have
good ideas to help you achieve your goals and others may well
spark even more ideas from you. Sometimes, simply talking
things over with a sympathetic audience can help you think more
clearly. Don't forget to give others a share in the work as well
as the planning. 
 
M Is For Meditation 
 
No matter how busy your life or hectic your schedule is, you
must take time to reflect on your goals and dreams. Taking a
few moment to clear your mind, focus your energy, and rebuild
your strength can revitalize you and help you accomplish more
when you swing back into action. 
 
Allowing yourself this down time may well give you the
opportunity to prioritize and brainstorm so you can be even
more productive than before. Even if you don't have brainstorms
from taking this time out, it will definitely give you an energy
boost. 
 
E Is For Evaluation 
 
It is important for you to regularly evaluate your priorities
and goals. Perhaps you have accomplished tasks that can now be
permanently crossed off your list or can be set aside until a
later date. Perhaps you have achieved certain goals resulting
in a change of other priorities. Perhaps you simply have
learned something along the way that caused a number of shifts
in your priorities and goals. 
 
Evaluation can also give you a sense of accomplishment if you
look back on what you have achieved and the goals you have
reached. 
 
Even if taking TIME for time management can seem wasteful, it
is actually a process that pays for itself time and again. Time
management may cost you time for planning and organization but
in the end it helps you gain time through efficiency and
prioritization. The simple truth is that time management saves
you time and stress.