Monday, February 4, 2008

Time Management Skills: Decision Making and Procrastination

Time Management Skills: Decision Making and Procrastination
When we started Fathom Corporate Training, we searched high
and low for a name befitting our firm. So many ideas can
surface when undertaking these types of endeavors.
Sometimes though, we have a hard time simply deciding what
to order on the restaurant menu. Trying to make the right
decision can become an obsession. We turn in circles
trying to make perfect decisions, but we really don't have
all the information to do that. Recently I had a
revelation. I woke up with a clear understanding and
realization of how much time I have wasted in my life
trying to make that "right" decision. While my life has
gone pretty smoothly, I have indeed sacrificed. I have
sacrificed precious time trying to make these types of
perfect decisions. Time is something we can't get back. I
now remind myself every day that "right" does not exist.
There will always be a "left" staring you in the face so
that you inevitably will ask yourself, "I wander if I
should go that way?" When the fear of the unknown and
indecisiveness comes up because of a new fork in the road
we must realize a couple things:

1. We don't know the future.
2. There is no right way.

There are many different roads to getting there and because
there is no way to know what roadblocks may be ahead, it
may be time to simply choose. Ultimately, you'll get where
you're going and feel more productive and efficient. Or,
you may discover a new way of getting things done that you
could have never planned for. Go ahead, step into the
unknown. And remember, we are all whistling in the same
darkness!

What about procrastination? Do you procrastinate? We all
do to some degree. If getting a project started in the
perfect way or at the "right" time is holding you back,
your procrastinating. One key to stopping your
procrastination is to first know when your doing it. We
all do something different when we procrastinate. I find
myself running lots of errands. Sure, your getting lots
done, but what? Most of us are very efficient, but not
effective. What's the difference? Efficient use of your
time means getting the most done in the shortest amount of
time. Effective use of your time means getting the right
things done. Things that will lead you to accomplishing
your most important life goals. It's seems easier to go to
the store or watch TV than to start on something that feels
threatening, such as an important project. So simply get
started. And if you are afraid that the project is too
large and feels overwhelming, just remember the Spartans.
When facing the ruthless Persian army and outnumbered by
thousands, the 300 brave Spartan soldiers felt completely
overwhelmed. But, the Greek leader of the Spartan army
broke down the massive task at hand by asking his men a
simple question. "Can each of you slay 3-4 more Persians
today than you did yesterday?" They agreed that they
could. And they did, one at a time!


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With more than 20 years experience in corporate turnaround
environments, John Males brings expertise to clients in the
areas of management, sales and negotiations. His customers
include some of the world's most successful firms and
recognized brands. John can be reached at
info@fathomtraining.com or http://www.fathomtraining.com

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