I kept track of 10080 minutes of the week here’s what happened!
So, recently reimplemented a time management that I had been long introduced and here’s some things that I got to know.
What is this strategy?
The underlying principle behind this strategy is “You can’t manage what you can’t measure”.
So, in order to work out a way to manage our time resource we must know how much time resource we have and how much of our time is getting spent in what part of our life.
How do we measure time?
We all know that how do we measure time in the modern age. But, the problem with that our time measurement is really inefficient when it comes to treating our time as a resource. For us time is repetitive and replenishable. Think about it in this way, how many of the times have you used or heard these phrases?
“We all have 24 Hours everyday”
“I work in a 9–5 job”
Both these phrases make you feel that time is replenishable, but how about we see a different set of phrases like —
“The goals of June 2024 were not achieved”
“2024 went away like a fire”
You see the difference when you take a specific instance of time, you can see that time is not replenishable and most of the time, this is what gives us regrets of not achieving our goals.
So, if we can measure time based on the activities, we can probably use better time.
My Method
My method is a simple excel sheet that takes the starting time as an input and the duration of the previous is the difference of the starting time of the two activities
Once, I have measures all my daily activities and how much time I spend on each of them. I will segregate each of time periods or durations into different slots. You can mark differently slots than me, it is on you how you mark your time.
Once you have this data, this can help you extract some great information
Analysis
Now based on the time you have classified for each of the aspects of your life, you will get a clear insight on how much of your time you are spending in unnecessary part of your life and how much of it do you need to set a healthy boundary for yourself. The whole point of this exercise was to build a analytics basis for your time. You can easily audit your time like money with this excel sheet.
The benefits I found…
The benefits of implementing this meticulous time management strategy were profound and extended beyond the realm of time itself. One of the remarkable outcomes was the heightened awareness and mindfulness that surfaced in my daily actions. By consistently maintaining a detailed analysis of how I managed my time, I found myself becoming more accountable for my choices and actions. The act of recording and scrutinizing each activity fostered a sense of responsibility, prompting me to make conscious decisions about how I invested my time. This newfound awareness led to a significant reduction in procrastination and mindless activities, as I became acutely aware of the precious nature of time.
Furthermore, the data extracted from this time management system served as a powerful tool for self-reflection and introspection. It provided a clear and objective snapshot of how much time was allocated to various aspects of my life, enabling me to identify patterns and trends. This insight became instrumental in setting realistic goals and establishing healthier boundaries for myself. By analyzing the time slots dedicated to different activities, I could make informed decisions about where adjustments were needed to align my priorities with my objectives.
In essence, this method transformed my perception of time from a replenishable resource to a finite and invaluable asset. It not only empowered me to optimize my daily routines but also inspired a more purposeful approach to life. The time management excel sheet evolved into a dynamic analytics tool, akin to a financial statement for my time, allowing me to conduct regular audits and refine my schedule for optimal efficiency. Ultimately, this strategy has become an indispensable part of my life, offering not just a method for managing time but a holistic approach to personal growth and fulfilment.
