The 110th Edition of Dear EFAP: never enough time
Thank you to those who have written to “Dear EFAP” for input on your dilemmas. As you are aware, we read every inquiry that comes in but we are only able to print a small selection of responses. Our “pithy” answers are modeled after the lighter hearted Dear Abby style and are grounded in common sense. If your issues require a more personalized level of support please call EFAP (1-800-505-4929) and we can confidentially book you a counselling appointment with a senior level therapist.
We welcome all inquiries – please submit these to dear.efap@efap.ca. All printed responses use the anonymous descriptor that you sign your inquiry with and do not reveal any identifying information. Our goal is to support you through insight and common sense.
Below is our response to the next selection – enjoy!
Dear EFAP
There is never enough time in my day. My time isn’t my own and is constantly being high jacked away from me. I am being pulled all over the place, and I am not able to get what I need done. I am at a total loss of what to do and I am burning out as we speak. Do you have any tips?
-Burning out
Dear Burning out,
If there is never enough time, then time management is not your problem. This sage comment comes from Jenn Longren, an executive coach and speaker at Incito, who is part of the Forbes Coaches Council. I agree with her wholeheartedly, my friend. I hear that you are stressed and tired. Try asking yourself if your constant lack of time is due to a time management issue or a choice management issue.
Choice management
If choice comes up as the culprit, Longren suggests tracking your time and asking yourself some key questions:
- Which of my tasks are proactive and which are reactive?
- Were they an effective use of my time? (Apparently efficiency does not always equate to effectiveness – who knew?)
- Was there a task that could have been delegated?
- Did my proactive leader tasks take priority?
- Was I engaged in my tasks? How many times did I say “yes” and wished that I had said “no?”
By answering these questions, you will see how your choices are impacting your ability to manage time.
Strategize your choices
The next step is to strategize your choices. Longren suggests using the Eisenhower decision matrix to do this.
Sort your tasks into four quadrants and apply the 4Ds:
- Do: Important and urgent tasks.
- Decide: Important, but not urgent tasks.
- Delegate: Urgent, but not important tasks.
- Delete: Unimportant and not urgent tasks.
By understanding where your choices fall on this matrix, Ms. Longren outlines that you can start to make decisions based on priorities in the Do and Decide quadrants. You will begin to delegating tasks, understand your boundaries, and set expectations. Again, I agree with her. When you go from a time mindset to a choice mindset, you may end up with some free time and a lot less stress. But making a change can sometimes be hard – even if it is a good change, so if you would like some support for this, please do give us a call (1-800-505-4929). I hope this helps!
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The advice offered in this column is meant to be used as general guidance based on the facts provided. The opinions or views expressed should not be relied on as treatment or counselling services. If you are a VCH staff member and find yourself in need of counselling or support, please contact EFAP toll free at 1-800-505-4929 or 604-872-4929, your family doctor, or another appropriately trained and qualified specialist.