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by Rachel Khor, Master Trainer
Time is a valuable resource, but how we think we spend it often doesn’t match how we actually do. Without looking closely, we can fall into unproductive habits. Keeping a time log helps you see where your time really goes and spot areas to improve. This simple practice can help you balance work and personal life while making sure your actions align with your goals.
Analysing How You Spend Time
The way you think you spend your time and the way you actually spend it are rarely the same.
Don’t guess—make sure you know. Keep a record or a time log of how you actually spend your time for 2 to 4 weeks each year, with a month usually being the best duration. The first three days may be tough, but after that, it becomes part of your routine.
Analyse your time log carefully and reflect on these questions:
What issues do you notice?
What habits, patterns, or tendencies emerge?
Was the first hour of the day productive?
What was the most productive time of the day?
How much time was spent on high-priority items?
What were the biggest time-wasters?
Ensure your activities are consistent with your goals, mission, purpose, and intended results. Everything you do either helps or hinders you. Ask others for feedback on how you use your time, whether effectively or not.
Good time management is a systematic way of thinking and working. It requires constant analysis of your actions and a commitment to finding ways to improve.
Attitudes Towards Time
Approach each day with a positive attitude, and things will work out better.
Remember, the best day is today. Don’t think of today as merely the first day of the rest of your life; today could be the last day. While you cannot change the inevitable, you can change your attitude toward today. Never look back unless you plan to go that way. Avoid saying, ‘There is still time’ or ‘Maybe next time,’ because there is also the concept of ‘It’s too late.’
Each day, do something you enjoy! Start the day in a happy, joyous, or uplifting mood. Strive to achieve your goals daily. Some of your time will inevitably be consumed by events and people beyond your control. Focus on controlling the controllable and allowing for the uncontrollable. Recognise that you face a daily dilemma: too much to do and not enough time to do it. Instead of simply working faster or longer, learn to work smarter. You may not control all the events in a day, but you can control your response to those events.
Attitudes are shaped by the words we use when we talk to ourselves. Speak positively, and you’ll develop positive attitudes; speak negatively, and you’ll foster negative attitudes.
Starting tomorrow, can you begin your workday with a positive mindset? Always aim to finish the day on a high and positive note.
Balance Life and Time
Time is more than just a work issue; it’s a life issue.
The way you spend your time defines the life you live. If you want a different life, you will need to spend your time differently. What changes do you need to make?
Keep a personal time log for a month to discover where all your non-work time goes. Analyse the record to determine what changes should be made. Reflect on where you find satisfaction in life. How much time do you spend on those fulfilling activities?
How could you spend more time on them?
The key to a balanced life is spending an adequate amount of time on the critical aspects of your life: career, family, friends/social connections, health/fitness, wealth, playtime/hobbies/recreation, relationships, professional and personal development, spirituality, and contribution/charity.
Live for NOW. All time is real time. Postponing your life while waiting for someday to arrive on may mean that it never happens.
Managing Your Boss and Workplace Time
Think of your boss as a colleague, not an adversary. Discuss goals, plans, priorities, and issues regularly.
Develop an ongoing dialogue with your boss about how to best use time. Keep the lines of communication open and bring these issues to light. Find constructive ways to talk about them. Approach your boss as you would your best customer, doing everything you can to make them look good. Avoid giving negative feedback about your boss; it’s simply not wise. Many bosses respond well to Gantt charts, diagrams, flowcharts, and straightforward conversations.
Remember that there is always more than one point of view. Put yourself in your boss’s position and ask, ‘If I were the boss, what would I want from me?’
Offer solutions whenever you discuss an issue; do not expect your boss to have all the answers.
Be patient and understanding. You may not be aware of the issues and pressures your boss has to cope with, and their reactions may have little to do with you.
Be sensitive to your boss’s work style:
Discuss goals, plans, priorities, and issues regularly.
Understand their need for information and frequency of contact.
Be aware of their need for preparation and the type of brainstorming they prefer.
Gauge their level of comfort with your behaviour.
Recognise the level of control and empowerment they allow you.
Be a solution provider!
Conclusion
Good time management isn’t just about doing more; it’s about making choices that improve both your work and life. By regularly checking how you spend your time and making small changes, you can create a better balance and focus on what really matters. Time affects every part of life, and managing it well helps you live with purpose and direction every day.
Strengthen Your Skills with Our Training
As a training provider, we specialise in helping individuals and organisations develop essential time management skills. If you’re ready to empower yourself or your team with effective strategies, contact us today to learn about our training programmes. Let’s embark on your journey to better time management together!
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