Time, Time, Time Its On My Side, Yes, It Is! The song made famous by the Rolling Stones needs to be sung out every day by studio owners. Make sure you see what you have accomplished each day and that nagging time management issue will fade away! Many times, when I stop and think about how much I have to do, I can feel overwhelmed before I even start. I review what has to be done and I wonder how I am ever going to get it all accomplished. And there are times when I will go home at the end of a long, grueling day, and feel somewhat unfulfilled, like I have been spinning my wheels and havent accomplished much of anything. But I know better because, at those exact moments, I pull out my secret weapon, MY LIST, and lo and behold I have done all that I was supposed to do! Call it what you like the tasks for the day list or the geter done list. Whatever you title it, I recommend you make one and check off things as you finish them.
You may be thinking, Oh, I dont need that! Well, think again. I am extremely busy and every day blends into the next and before I know it the week is gone. Sound familiar? Making a list will help you put everything in order and help make sure that the necessities do not fall through the cracks. Here are my list ideas.
I FEEL GOOD
If a task makes you grumpy and you are not excited to do what is required, put a phrase or motto on the top of the page to make it more fun. Every time you look at the list you will see the BIG heading at the top. I like to use this one. When I read it I always sing, I knew that I would nownaha naha naha nah. Thank you, James Brown! Under the heading I will number each task that needs to be done. As I complete them I x-out the number. It always used to amaze me when on days when my perception was that I didnt get a lot done, my list was almost always done or finished. When you make a list and keep it with you it is proof of what you have accomplished. It is incredibly empowering to look at the list to see what you have done. It will energize you for the next list!
The Key Is, Make It Fun. If You Make It Fun, It Will Be!
When I hear someone say, Oh, I am not looking forward to doing that! I know that whatever needs to be done, will not be done well or with any joy. If you feel that the day you are about to embark on will be a headache, it usually will be. Earl Nightingale created a wonderful series on positive thought called The Strangest Secret that turned into one of the largest selling audio recordings in history. It is all about controlling your thoughts. Remember you become what you think about. Think positively and, for the most part, positive things will happen, and even if they don't, you are prepared to meet the challenges with an upbeat, good attitude. So whatever that list has in store for you, dont let it control how you feel. You control your thoughts and you have a choice on how you approach things.
Get Everyone On Board!
Lists are not just for you and me. I recommend that our staff and faculty create them as well. Help them by making a list sheet that they can fill in for themselves. Target dates for choreography, front desk tasks and everything in between can be on list for them to check off. Just make it fun, challenging and game like.
Part of time management is in your head. Make your list, check it twice and have fun doing the things that need to get done! Think about putting this on the bottom of your list: I Feel Great!
