I recently had an interview at my workplace, I applying for a position that was a promotion of sorts that required a flexible and proactive approach. In my interview, it was noted that I must have excellent time management skills given my full time commitment to my career and also commitment to my training and competing. I was subsequently asked how I would go managing my commitments and time in this new role given the flexible nature that it required.
In my mind, I was thinking, time management, not a problem, I can do it. I know I can get things done, especially things I want to do, and I wanted to do this job, so managing my time wasn’t an element of this job was challenged by. But I was also thinking that that doesn’t sound like a very professional response and that I should try to explain how excellent my time management skills are, perhaps provide some examples as all good interviewees do.
And this is where my thinking stalled… How do I manage my time? I balance my career, training and personal life, I know I get things done, I meet deadlines, I fit so much into one day and I do most of it to a high standard, but how?
After responding with something that made me walk out of the interview and shake my head, I put some thought into it, (mostly when running), and managed to articulate these strategies that I use.
Commit to it
Saying you are going to do something is a verbal contract and once I’ve agreed to do something, I am very unlikely to jeopardise my integrity.
Prioritise
Some things need doing sooner rather than later, start with what is due first. Remember that although some commitments may be flexible, it doesn’t make them negotiable.
Do it now
My New Years resolution was to do things that can be done now, now! Don’t put stuff off until tomorrow, because something new will surface tomorrow, get it done now.
Schedule thinking time
I do some of my best thinking, planning and problem solving when I’m running, so I schedule specific things to think about when I’m running. Sometimes I develop lesson plans, (think of blog posts) and even role play difficult conversations I might need to have the next day.
Look ahead
Know what’s coming up. Do you have a recovery period coming up that you can utilize? Do you have a day off coming up? Sometimes you need to put things in place today in order to be prepared for next week, look ahead.
Be organized
Pack your lunch the night before, set your clothes out, put yours socks inside your running shoes, file your bills, do the food shopping on the weekend, set your alarm and get up! What ever it takes.
Progress over perfection
Be willing to settle for less than perfect so you can achieve progress. You can do it all, but you probably can’t do it all, to perfection, all of the time. That’s not sustainable. Settle for progress.
Make lists and tick stuff off
I usually find myself making lists when I’m trying to fall asleep. I have a million ideas flowing through my mind and to allow my mind to settle I have to write them down so I know I won’t forget. I love using Notes and Reminders on my iPhone and it’s rewarding when you can see the list get shrinking.
FOMO
This is real! I hate missing out. But sometimes you need to be flexible with your time, meaning getting up early to run before work instead of after. I often do this when I have afternoon meetings, I hate knowing that my running group are out there getting it done and enjoying some banter, but I do know that when I’m running with them next, I’ll be more grateful to have their company.
Where there’s a will there’s a way
If you want to do something, say yes. It might be daunting and you may need to get busy to fit it all but when you want to do something you can usually find a way to make it happen.
Reward yourself
Schedule in time and activities to reward yourself for being busy, organised, committed and reliable.
So to answer the question, ‘Can you do it all’?, I would say yes you can, but I have a disclaimer. You can do it all, but not all at once!
One of my favourite sayings is ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’. What sort of person are you?
