The very process in which time constructs itself is a mysterious factor. The bone of contention in
the intelligentsia has always been whether it’s linear or circulative. But practically speaking, we
hardly realize things before it’s time. So what matters to us in this ultra-sophisticated world is
how to ‘manage’ time.
But what is this ‘managing’ for? Obviously to even out the financial problems that cripple our life
in this rapidly changing, and somewhat dangerously enticing, world. Money is a keyword for
freedom and comfort. But to ease off life, we almost lose any deep realization of this “time
factor”. Only solitude catalyses some, reminding us of Nietzsche words, intelligence appears
when you are alone.
Do we have time for this? The management factor hardly gives away anything to be prioritized
that is not related with monetary affairs.
The technical management of time, at its most effective way, owes a great deal to the
Eisenhower method, which poses a difference between importance and urgency. The technique
is if the thing is:
Important and urgent- do it now without thinking of any other things.
Important but not urgent- mark the date in the calendar.
Not important but urgent-send any other to represent that and try to keep you away
as far as possible.
Neither important nor urgent- don’t waste time on it.
This method, which sounds to some extent the Venn diagram, is really very effective to order
out things in a balanced way, and bring out the priorities from an often-confused mind. But
doesn’t it sound very restrictive, as if our lives were chained evidently to a mechanical rule?
Let’s experience something else, another plan, which gives us a picture, that we always long for but can never convert.
Urgent and important- battling you out in the rat race of daily life. Minimize it by
sending, if possible, the delegates.
Not urgent and important- the secret desire to live life at its fullest. It’s like a
strategic mode of picture. Maximize it, for the life is here.
Urgent and not important- the painful loop the unsatisfactory job/ business
provides you, from where it’s hard to come out. Shorten that.
Not urgent not important- simply wasting time on gossiping. Watching TV
unnecessarily, or sleeping more and more to escape from any depression. Minimize it!
This method is provided by Steve Coley in his seven habits in “Put First Things First” (habit
three), where he gives prominence to a life spent with joy. This retreat will enhance our physical
strength, increase our self-confidence, give us time to think on the things done, and make us
more decisive. We know that we need to work hard in order to position ourselves in life. But do it
with happiness. Then the life won’t be felt to have been spent in a hurry.
