The first step in developing a purpose-oriented time-management system is to identify a purpose. Don’t wait for chance to nudge you toward your destiny.
Choose the destiny you want, and use your time and choices to take you to it.
A clear vision and establishment of goals leading toward the vision is the first step towards meeting your purpose. The next step is to review your vision and mission daily so you can use your goals as the basis for managing your time.
This way you can plan your time and activities based on the way they help you in meeting your goals. You need to schedule your priorities and not just prioritize what is already in your schedule.
When you’ve established your priorities, every job, meeting, phone call or e-mail becomes a goal-driven exercise. Constantly ask yourself: “If this doesn’t advance me toward my goals, then why should I do it?”
The key to success in time management and self-management is to operate around a tight set of priorities. Many people are urgency-driven as opposed to being purpose-driven. Generally, what is important is not urgent, unless you have neglected it and allowed it to become urgent. Being proactive will help you spend your time on important areas of your life.
When you have a purpose-oriented time-management system, you are managing your life. You know what is most important to you, and you make choices that are aligned to your purpose. You are devoting your energies to things that have your highest priority. You are balancing spontaneity and planning to achieve optimum results.You analyze the way your time is being spent, so you know whether it is aligned to your purpose.
You are able to eliminate things that are not important to you, thus creating additional time for things that matter most.