Time Management Article

TIME MANAGEMENT: IS TRAINING NECESSARY TO MANAGE TIME BETTER?

from: C P Gray





Is training really needed in order for us to better manage our time? Let's not beat around the bush here. The answer is 'no'. We do not have to enrol ourselves in training programs just so we can be taught how to handle time and make the best use of it.



In fact, if we, in our hearts and minds, truly want to extract the greatest value possible from the limited time we have in this world, then we will do something about, whether or not a class or a certain time management seminar is avaiable. If we want it to happen bad enough, we will do it ourselves using tools that are comfortable for us.



Indeed, we don't need other people to tell us how to manage our time. Sure, we can read up articles and books about time management and see how other people train for it, but, really, getting time management training, let alone paying for it, is not just a waste of time – it is also a waste of money.



Now, this is not to discredit the effectiveness and credibility of people whose goal is to help us manage our time better. Surely their intentions are well meant. However, getting to a seminar expends our time – time we need to more important things, like spending time with our family and friends or doing finishing touches on that presentation we have been working on for the past days.



Time management training helps, but what it says is not really something we don't know. Ask yourself this, would you spend time and pay for something for a question whose answer you already know? Some fans of time management training says these programs act as reinforcements or as reminders about how to manage our time, because most of us have forgotten, or have refused to listen to their own voice.



If you are one of these people they are describing, then, by all means get time management training. However, when the question regarding its necessity is brought up, then realize that it is not necessary. If you feel you need that extra push, then go for it. But if you will it enough by yourself, you will not need to enrol in such programs. Reading up on the topic will do.



There are a number of schools of thought to time management training, as you can see, and this article is part of the ones that are against it. Well, not really against, but if it can be helped, it would be better if you craft your own time management plan yourself. Because, when you attend these training programs, you will realize that though they do give you a variety of tips and shown how these have worked with others, you will still hold the responsibility of crafting a program for yourself in the end.



On the other hand, if you're planning to be at the giving end of the advice, that is, become a time management consultant, then you will need training, because time management consultation does not simply mean listening to other people's problems with time, it also entails having the proper skills to help another person manage his. And when you have this kind of responsibility, simply reading books on the subject would be a great disservice to him and to you. (But that's another article, altogether.)



Whether or not you need to enrol in time management training really depends on where you're coming from and on the confidence you have in your own ability to manage your life. All this article is saying that in order for you to gain something, you don't really need to spend so much of your time, energies and money. Again, if you will it and work hard at it, it will happen. No amount of 'training' can do this for you.



Christine P Grey is a recognized authority on the subject of time management. Her website www.selfimprovementsguide.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you will need to know about self improvement. All rights reserved. Articles may be reprinted as long as the content and links remains intact and unchanged.