Continued Follow-up and Reanalysis

The eighth and final step in becoming an effective time manager is continued follow-up and reanalysis of how you are doing. This isn't a formal process. You should block out a period of time to sit back and look at yourself and how you are doing. Are you still in control of your own time or are others beginning to creep back in and impose their requirements on you? How are you helping others to manage their time more effectively...without being at pain in the butt? In effect, use the tools that you've been given whenever you feel you may need them. Remember, this isn't an eight-step program that rigidly controls your life. Some of the things we've talked about will work for you; others will not. You are the most important factor in this entire exercise.

Let me tell you what one author had to say on the subject of time management. The man was Arnold Bennet, and in his book, "How To Live on 168 Hours A Week" - written in 1910, by the way - he says, Assume that I have carefully weighed and comprehended your ponderous remarks. How do I begin? Dear sir, you simply begin. There is no magic method of beginning. If a man, standing on the edge of a swimming pool and wanting to jump into the cold water, should ask you, 'How do I begin to jump,' you would merely reply, 'Just jump. Take hold of your nerves and jump.'"

That is my final message to you. Don't ask how to begin to become a better manager of your time. Just jump. Take hold of the tools that you've been given and just jump right in.

End of Time Management workshop