A520.2.6.RB - Time Management

1. Assess your time management skills.
2. Evaluate how these skills have increased your locus of control.
3. Identify three new areas in which improved time management skills would reduce stress.
4. Add an action plan to integrate these to your daily routine.

        I believe I have a mixed assessment of my time management skills.  I tend to be very organized and generally take the time to think about every particular situation before it occurs when the issue is a high priority.  The same cannot be said when I have a long timeline to work with.  This is due to the fact that I prioritize everything I do; if it can wait, it normally drops down on the depth chart.  I am a habitual list maker, with yellow sticky note pads everywhere in my work area.  I even keep a “things to do list” which has become a living document.  Even when my family or friends tell me something that needs to get done, I tell them to write that down, or send me an email, if not I may forget about it. The biggest issue I have when it comes to time management is I will become “stressed out” when things get out of my control or when I try to do too many things at one time.

        Throughout my professional and academic career, I have gained an appreciation for the understanding of locus of control.  I have even learned how my actions are influenced by both internal and external locus of control.  I am a firm believer my management and leadership skills have been enhanced due to the fact that I have a comprehension of my internal locus of control. When my time management is where I want it to be, it definitely has an effect on my locus of control process.  I have a passionate belief and understanding that I have a major effect of how I manage my time.  If my time management fails, I blame no one but myself.  For me to have any type of fun for myself or to spend with my family, I must manage time effectively.  I am very aware that I am a Type A personality and can sometimes be very controlling.  I like knowing that I am in control of how I use my time.  I get self-satisfaction if I can properly organize the personal and work events around me.

       If I had to identify three new areas in which improved time management skills would reduce my stress, it would be by establishing and maintaining deadlines I set and reducing procrastination when I have time to address certain issues.  Just because it is not due until later, does not mean I should not do it in my spare time.  Last, but not least, I need to schedule more personal time; better controlling the type A personality in me. 

        I am not sure if I need an action plan, however I know what I need to do to improve.  I just need to follow through with my thoughts.  I think the biggest obstacle I need to overcome would be to maintain balance in my life; professional versus personal life, while decreasing time spent on non-priority activities. I need to also understand that there will always be setbacks and that sometimes I cannot control my external environment. 

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