Chapter 17
The Myth of Time Management
I should begin this chapter by admitting that I do not consider myself a great manager by any means. Neither have I been a great planner. In fact, I've never even written a business plan. However, I've always been able to effectively manage myself well enough to build multiple companies from scratch. Time management has never been something that I considered valuable, even though I do spend time on those things that I think are most valuable.
I often receive questions about time management and balance in my seminars. I have found throughout my career that the people who are most concerned with time management and balance in their lives are the ones who believe in the notion of “shortages” that we discussed in an earlier chapter. Most don't even know how much time is available to them or what tasks are most necessary to accomplish in that time. If you don't know how much time you have—or need—then how on earth can you expect to manage and balance it?
The first thing you must do is make success your duty by setting distinct and definitive priorities. I can't do this for you, of course; everyone's priorities are different. However, if success is a main concern for you, then I would suggest you spend most of your time doing things that will create success. Of course, I don't know what success means in your life. It could involve a variety of people and things: finances, family, happiness, spirituality, physical or emotional well-being—or, if ...
