Myths and Misperceptions About Time Management

When I am working with clients, one of the areas that often comes up is time management. I recently wrote about 17 tips for personal effectiveness and self management I have learned over the years and developed habits around. However, in order to change and develop these habits, we need to expand our awareness and identify the beliefs, myths and misperceptions around time management that appear to be holding us back from the life we love.

Following are some myths and misperceptions about time management –

Myth: “I need to manage my time better”

Reality: You cannot manage time. It is more about how we manage our self with the time we have. We all get 7 days in a week and 24 hours, 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds in a day and it depends on how we invest or spend our time. We can either use it wisely or waste it, we can never save it!

Myth: “I already prioritise and know how I use my time – I don’t waste any of it.”

Reality: Do you really? Sometimes we can perceive we are investing our time better than what we think, however you are the only person who can answer this and it is important to be honest with yourself! If we are not honest, we can keep ourselves stuck.

Myth: It’s better to stick to one task until it is completed. 

Reality: It really depends on the task and how big the task or project is. I like to break my tasks down to the lowest chunk and then schedule the task daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, six-monthly or yearly. I have found I am more effective this way.

Myth: Time is Money.

Reality: Time is much more than money! Time is life. With money you can get more, however time is not replaceable.

Myth: “I don’t have enough time.”

Reality: We all get the same amount of days in a week (7) and 24 hours, 1440 minutes or 86400 seconds in a day. It depends on how we invest or spend it!

Myth: “I have heaps of time, I can do it later.”

Reality: Do you really? How do you know? There is a nice video clip showing the time we have in jellybeans or if you need more inspiration, you can read the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying (this certainly inspired me!).

Myth: “I need an expensive organiser to get organised!”

Reality: You do not need an expensive organiser to get organised. Personal organisation and self-management is about breaking old habits, aligning to your values and priorities and developing effective habits/systems so you can take action. You do not require an expensive organiser to do this!

Myth: “I need a planner for work and a planner for home.” 

Reality: You need one planner or organiser. Remember you are only one person and time can be wasted going between planners and also what happens if you misplace one?

Myth: “My ‘to-do’ list will get things done.”

Reality: ‘To-do’ lists do not get things done unless you schedule these tasks in your organiser, align to your priorities and commit to completing them.

There you have it, a number of myths and misperceptions about time management. Have I missed any? If so, please share them below!

I wonder what the true cost of these myths and perceptions are around time management?

• regret?
• unfulfilled dreams?
• an unfulfilled life?
• not sharing our gifts and talents?

Feel free to share any questions below or on our Facebook page here.

If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.