TIME MANAGEMENT is actually a misnomer because no one can manage time. What we really manage is ourselves in order to accomplish our goals in the time available. Time must be redeemed; it has to be bought. Time is basic, unless it is managed, nothing else can be managed. “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time for the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16, 15 I wish I could stand on a busy street corner and beg people to give me all their wasted hours. Most people waste at least two hours everyday, although few realize it. Today we’re discussing how to improve Life Management skills:
Did you know, there are SIX things that time is:
- Perishable
- Expensive
- Measurable
- Continuous
- Irreversible
- Irreplaceable
1. What’s your attitude toward time management? How you react to life is what counts.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitude.” Chuck Swindoll
2. Can you relate to areas of frustration regarding time management?
- Not knowing how to say No.
- Not knowing when and how to stop working.
- Finding time for business-related issues.
- Having time for friends.
- Pursuing personal interests.
- Having too much to do.
- Work is never done.
- Taking work home.
- Finding time to meet with colleagues.
- Making time for children.
- Making time for spouse and friends.
3. Am I a pleaser? Do I have a difficult time saying no?
PRACTICE SAYING “NO” Protect yourself and your family’s time by saying. NO
God grant me the serenity to prioritize the things I cannot delegate, the courage to say no when I need to and the wisdom to know when I need to go home.
4. How do you spend your time?
Ever been asked “What did you do today, honey?” And was your reply…”I am not really sure.”
Take the next 24 hours to review how you spend me by recording a 24-hour time log:
http://www.rightattitudes.com/blogincludes/attachments/Time_Log_Full_Day_
5. To determine how you can make better use of your time, examine what are your priorities?
- Write your priorities. What’s most important to you?
- Notice your rhythms. Are you a morning person or an evening person?
- Examine how you actually spend your time.
- Compare your priority list with how you are actually spending your time.
6. How can you achieve your goals?
Ask Yourself Often: Will What I am doing right now help me achieve my goals?
“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.” Psalm 127:1
Establish a mission statement. A mission statement is a definition of a life purpose.
To begin to build your own personal mission statement, answer four questions:
- Who are you? (In Christ, what unique gifts and abilities has God given you to serve Him?)
- Because of that, what has God called you to do?
- What do you want? (What motivates you?)
- Who have you been called to minister?
Let me pray for you,
“Heavenly Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Help me use the time you have given me as you use my life for your glory. I pray the prayer of Moses, “Teach me, Lord, to number my days, that I might present to you a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 9:12.” Amen.
Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio and television personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God.
She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Giesbrecht’s radio show, “Transformed Through Truth” is nationally and internationally syndicated and heard daily by over 10 million listeners on networks across the United States. The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network shares the show internationally on seven continents. “Transformed Through Truth” launched as a 30-minute internet television teaching feature in March 2017. To view this amazing teaching time, go to www.HSBN.tv.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally through the Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht is a Lead Like Jesus Facilitator and missionary with Freedom In Christ Ministries (www.FICM.org) and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally. Sheryl’s latest book is entitled It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth.
The joys of Giesbrecht’s life are her children and thirteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, a Master’s in Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology.
Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.sherylgt.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).
