by Dr. Richard Norris

Could you do with managing your time better?

Would you like to be more productive and set a great example based on how you are managing your time? Would you like the people around you to respect your time and make better use of theirs?

If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, the solution is: 7 minutes. The true value of those 7 minutes manifests when you use them effectively and efficiently in all the relationships you have in your life - at work, at rest or at play.

Time Flies

Time is a funny thing. It can seem to fly by and, as such, you do not truly catch the value of it. It is something that must be seen as a true investment. Therefore, you must expect a return. If you are not getting a return, then you are likely either viewing it as an expendable resource or as something that you cannot control.

Many people talk about how they "spend" their time - working, sleeping, watching TV, etc. Their perception is that it is a commodity used in a transaction. Psychologically, they do not perceive it as the asset and investment it is. Effectively, they are not expecting a return.

Is this you? Do you ever say to yourself, "I wish I had more time?" Do you ever say to your boss, "I need more time?" Do you ever say to your family, "I wish I could spend more time with you?" And then tell them about all of your commitments?

If you are like me, then you answered "yes" to all of those. If so, your perspective of time is likely skewed in the wrong direction. Here's why.

You Cannot Control Or Manage Time!

There are a plethora of time management courses out there. Most of them are helpful. However, I would suggest that they change their name to SELF-management courses.

You cannot manage time (in case you missed it the first time!). Let me illustrate. If I were to give you my watch and say, "Please manage my time", could you do it? No!

Time passes whether we like it or not. It is what we do with it, and how we do it, that is important.

This derives from our self-management and the decisions we make and the actions we take with respect to our time. So how do you manage yourself and therefore get a return on the time you are investing (not spending)?

Time Soars

This is where the "7 Minute" rule comes in. In truth it is actually not just 7 minutes. It is the first 7 minutes in every engagement that predominantly determines your outcome. Regardless of whether it is a task, a meeting, or when you first return home to your family, the first 7 minutes are crucial.

Tasks

Before you begin your day, before you begin a task, apply the first 7 minutes to thought and planning. Use them to prioritize and identify the outcomes you desire for tasks and for the day.

This aligns very nicely with ending your day with 7 minutes to plan what you will do the next day. This gives your mind space to clear out noise and process subconsciously so it is prepared for the next day's work. You will be surprised at the clarity this provides!

The same thing applies to the very beginning of your day. Commit the first 7 minutes to refining your plan for the day and the outcomes you desire. Do this and things wonderfully begin to flow better as you approach them in a more centered way.

Self

As with Tasks, invest the first 7 minutes of your day to set your personal stage for success. Find a quiet place or create a quiet space and invest that time meditating on your life, your goals, your dreams, your vision. To give yourself that extra boost, do it at the end of your day too, just for 7 minutes.

Team

At team or one-on-one meetings, give them your best for at least the first 7 minutes. That is, be focused and interested in them first. Listen. Ask questions relative to what they are saying. As a cardinal rule for networking states, "Be interested before being interesting."

People will value you for it. You will be adding significant deposits into their Emotional Bank Accounts. That way, when you need to ask something of them, you are working from a healthy balance rather than one that is overdrawn.

Friends and Family

This is where the "First 7 Minute" rule really rocks! Like me, you may bring your work home with you. Like me, you may often be so consumed with your issues that you neglect to consider that your family may have their own. Well I should say, like I used to.

Now when my kids wake up and when my wife wakes up (I am an early riser - a legacy of 23 years as a competitive swimmer), when I first greet them I do so with a warm smile, open arms and a focus on making their day right from the first moment. The smiles, hugs and kisses are worth it!

Perhaps most importantly, at day's end when I am on my way back home, I ask myself (about 7 minutes from home), "How would the best husband and father act when he comes through the door and greets his family?" (Please adapt this to whatever role(s) you are fulfilling). Not only does this exercise prepare you, it ensures you are in the right, relaxed state of mind to maximize those first 7 minutes.

Your children can fill you with their excited stories that they are bursting to tell you. Your spouse or partner can off-load their cares and concerns. Remember, they don't necessarily want solutions (a note particularly to other men reading this); they just want you to listen.

Do that and you are filling your Emotional Bank Account. Do that and you will generate massive returns. Do that and you can far more simply, effectively and consistently ask them if you can make a phone call or do some work.

Just do it! Do all of the above and your time will no longer fly; it will soar! Do it and you will create time. Do it and you will have a new lease on life because time is life. Make sure you use your 7 minutes wisely and to best effect!

About the Author

Since 2003, Dr. Richard Norris has focused on working with several hundred business owners and leaders to grow their businesses using a focused, balanced, practical and thorough approach. Examples of client outcomes include clients franchising their businesses and others growing more than 350% in just 6 months. For more information, visit: http://www.lifestylearchitecture.com.

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