Speed Leas, in his book, “Time Management: A Working Guide for Church Leaders” writes, “When you are getting ready to start the dreaded task, you may find yourself doing all kinds of busy work rather than getting to what you know needs to be done.” (p 51)

This is a problem I struggle with. Soon after I began my pastoral ministry I was given an assignment – to keep a Time Workbook – to help me make better use of my time. I pass on to you a simplified version of the assignment to help you manage your time better in 2009.

1. START WITH YOUR GOALS

Identify and number your present and future goals and state a purpose for each one.

Prioritize them either as A – very important, “Must do”, B – somewhat important, “should do”, C – not so important, “can do”. (Numbering them helps to keep track of them)

2. LOOK AT YOUR COMMITMENTS

Make a list of all the people and things toward which you presently have a commitment. You may want to review this with your spouse or a colleague to see if you left anything out.

3. HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE YOU ARE SPENDING YOUR TIME?

List all the different ways you think you are spending your time and evaluate them in terms of whether you think you are spending too much, too little or just the right amount of time. (Again a spouse or colleague may help you evaluate this step)

4. A TIME INVENTORY

For one week keep track of everything you do in 30 minute increments

5. REVIEW

Next to each increment of time place the number of the goal this time spent helped you to meet.

6. ANALYZE

Why did you do those things not associated with your goals? Which were just time wasters? Why were they time wasters? What could you have done about them? Could they have been eliminated? Of your total time, how much was spent on the goals that you determined were most appropriate.

7. RE-EVALUATE

In light of the analysis, which goals seem less important, which should be eliminated and which should be added? Write down the first steps you will take toward meeting each one of your goals?