Tick….Tick…Tick… Can you hear it? Every second we feel the pressure of time ticking away. Watches, timers, reminders, and notifications remind us that time to complete work is slipping away, but the pressure remains. An engineer I coached once described the feeling as being chained to his desk and he didn’t have time to move away from his desk or go out for lunch.
We often blame this intense pressure on technology, the amount of change we are experiencing, or unrealistic expectations from leadership. While these can be sources of time pressure, the most difficult source of pressure is within us. We internalize the philosophy that every second needs to be productive. We think a lack of stress means we are less important, or not as gifted as those who are on a treadmill.
These feelings and messages are pervasive, but we can replace them with a truer picture of success. True success at managing time is to see it as a resource that can be used for being productive, but also to develop key relationships, to envision new goals, and to refuel and get re-energized. Pushing ourselves relentlessly will not make us more productive or more innovative. In fact, if we push ourselves too hard for too long, it will drain any energy or creativity we may have possessed.
Instead, consider time as a resource to help fulfill all of our objectives. For example, you can “budget” your time and allot a certain amount for planning, for implementation, for collaboration, and for relaxation. Now you have ensured that these critical activities will happen, and also that they are done in a way that fulfills and nourishes who you are as a person.
It is in moments of reflection, visioning, rest, and learning that our creative energy is renewed. Without these times, we become dry and transactional and unable to lead effectively. Quiet is not a luxury but a required resource for excellent work.
Begin setting time aside to ensure that you are prepared to be your best. Even 30 minutes can make such a difference in your ability to respond well to the priorities of your day. Be sure to also choose a location where you will not be interrupted and can let your mind relax. For some that may be a coffee shop, others a library, and still others walking a trail. Let’s resist the urgency of tick, tick, tick….
