Ordinarily, I write my blog contributions on Wednesday for publication on Thursday. However, yesterday I spent a good chunk of time completing a draft of a special project I have been preparing for several weeks. Like a thirsty steer inexorably drawn to water, yesterday I felt compelled to finish that task. And by the time I did finish, I realized that I hadn’t written one word for today’s piece.
When I was a young and still callow working stiff, I was serious about time management, especially with a busy and growing law practice to manage. Back then, I didn’t have the luxury of delegating tasks to associates or subordinates; there were times when a job wouldn’t get done unless I did it. Over the years, I grew to think about time management broadly, in terms of personal discipline.
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I admit that waking up this morning and realizing I hadn’t given much thought to a subject for today’s blog, let alone written a word, made me a tad anxious. After all, I thought, I already have a full schedule of planned events for today, culminating, of course, with another enjoyable Thursday Date Night with Robyn.
Quickly, I made a cup of coffee, fed Lola the Pup, then put pen to paper, so to speak. And suddenly, “Eureka!” Today, I would chide myself for not practicing good time management habits.
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First, I searched the inter-Google for time management sites. There is no dearth of them. In no time, I came across the seven essential time management tips, the ten, twelve, and eighteen best tips, to say nothing of the twenty-six most effective ones, ad nauseam! It didn’t make sense that these self-styled time management experts couldn’t seem to agree on the optimal number of time management techniques. I chalked their discrepancies up to internet marketing tactics, much like trying to discern from a telephone directory whether it’s better to identify as AA or AAA. In fact, a compilation of the best time management tips leads to but a single conclusion: Good time management requires personal discipline. Well, duh.
Next, I focused specifically on time management tips for “seniors.” And not surprisingly, here the focus falls on failing memory, and, more generally, obtaining professional elder care services. How depressing to once more be reminded that I have become a doddering fool by dint of my age.
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I conclude there is no reason to chide myself as I still manage my time effectively. And with that, I end this week’s contribution to the blog.
