Time management is a challenge for me. Mostly because I am easily distracted. For example I’m trying to write this blog, so I find some good listening music on YouTube. I notice that there are some good artists on the right side of the page that I haven’t heard in a while or a song I don’t know. Twenty minutes later, I have not written one word. Yuk!
Can you relate?
Distractions, poor time management, and procrastination are my own worst enemies.
There are less than five weeks left in the last course of my Bachelor’s degree. Yippee! It has been a long time coming.
Over the years, I have taken a few classes here and there. However, the life of being wife, mother and business owner got in the way.
When my youngest child started college, I committed to taking two-three courses per semester until I graduated. Now here I am, in the last class of the final semester. Praise God!
I’ve taken my biggest obstacles to progress; procrastination and poor time management to the Lord and he is teaching me how to overcome those hindering spirits.
One of the ways God has been transforming my mind in that area is through the book, “Taming your To Do list” by Glynnis Whitwer. Ms. Glynnis has been in my face with that book, sharing scientifically why I struggle, looking at my life historically to identify the root cause and providing me with practical strategies to win the battle. I love her.
I also listened to a podcast this week by Chrystal Evans Hurst entitled, “The girlfriend’s guide to getting it done.”
Now listen to this! While surfing the web for some tools to help my staff with time management, I found an article on Time blocking. This method has proven among other things, to increase concentration and minimize distractions.
God is humorous! He has strategically placed resources in my path for such a time as this. Is it possible you needed to hear it too?
These resources and the Holy Spirit’s power are leading me away from mental disorganization and disarray.
Do you struggle with distractions, putting important things off, and not completing tasks? If so, I invite you on this journey of completing what we started. Here are a few strategies to get us on our way.
- ASK GOD FOR DIRECTIONS AND WRITE THEM DOWN
We must be more diligent with writing specifically what we need to do and when we need to do it.
I have formerly used my day planner and to do list as my go-to organizational tools. After listening to Chrystal Evans Hurst, I am researching the Bullet method. I probably will not follow that method to the letter but I am gathering some wonderful tips to improve my current system. http://bulletjournal.com/get-started/
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
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SET THE TIMER
Have you heard the Creighton Abrams quote, “When eating an elephant take one bite at a time.” Rather passing a course or completing a degree, we must finish one thing at a time.
Designate small chunks of time toward the task. 15 to 30-minute time blocks encourage productivity, allowing us to give the task our undivided attention without getting distracted or exhausted.
Then we can walk away, have a snack or take a walk. Whatever small reward we choose for successfully working during that timeframe.
No matter how much you want, laziness won’t help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough.” Proverbs 13:4 CEV
- REPEAT
After the break, go back and do it again and again, repeatedly until the task is completed. We have to adopt the Nehemiah mind-set. We have work to do and we cannot come down until it is completed. (Nehemiah 6:3)
For me, it is the last course of the Bachelor’s program. What is your task or project? Whatever it is, we can do this! We have God on our side and there is nothing too hard for him. 
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 ESV
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
realtalk859 
First, Congratulations on being this close to the finish line! College is work!
Second, I feel your pain. God has been working on this in my life as well. I’m still trying to master time blocking. Truthfully even mentally blocking chunks of my time helps me to stay focused. Admittedly I am still prone to general distraction. If you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll want a glass of milk…..lol
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I love your reference to “If you give a mouse a cookie”. That’s a great analogy. The success of your blog is evidence that you are on the road to recovery. You pray for me and I’ll pray for you.
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Done sister! I’m so glad we’ve connected! BTW what degree will you very soon have earned?
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Dana, I am also so glad we connected. You are a God send. To answer your question, I will earn a Bachelors in Child Development and Family Studies.
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Congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment Calvonia! Thanks for the tips on time management, I have issues too:)
Blessings on the five weeks left of classes!
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Thank you Julie! Keep me in your prayers.
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Reblogged this on Praying for the millennials.
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