A Simple Time Management Formula

A simple time management formula might help you keep your calendar more manageable. Make a quota of how many opportunities you can reasonably get involved with, for example volunteering. Keep in mind your stamina, other 'must do's' in life and so forth. I once heard someone say her friend set her quota at 3. Once she had said yes to those 3 assignments, she would say 'no' to any new requests, until 1 of the original 3 was completed. If she completed 1, she could then say 'yes' to 1 new opportunity, thus always keeping her quota at 3 volunteer or optional assignments.

Thus she could volunteer with 1 community organization, 1 church position and 1 professional volunteer assignment because she felt that was reasonable for her lifestyle . For example, she could volunteer 1x/month in her child's elementary school class, help in her church's Sunday School and be on 1 ad hoc committee at work. If she was approached by a 4th or 5th request from others, she could say 'no' guilt-free, knowing she had reached her personal quota regarding how much free time she had available to volunteer.

Choosing a realistic formula for your life is worth the few minutes it takes to figure it out. The benefits are a feeling of being in control of your calendar plus having the time & energy to do a quality job in those areas you do chose to say 'yes' to.