One entry that I get more feedback on than any other from my clients is that of my time management tip of how to best use 5 minutes.
One client happened to read it and when we sat down for our monthly meeting they brought up the fact that, while they liked the concept, they weren’t sure everyone would agree with what I had written on my list of suggestions.
They went on to say that how we use our time depends on our values and what we deem is important.
They added that most people they knew would not view checking Facebook for 5 minutes to be a good use of time.
I sat patiently by listening and nodding my head as what the points they made were not only valid, but well spoken as well.
Once they finished I said something along the lines of, “How true. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
What is valuable for me might not be for you.
It really depends on where you are today.
The ideas that I write about daily here aren’t absolutes – they’re food for thought.
Brain candy.
Idea candy.
Thought candy.
If I can get you to think…about your lives, your relationships, and your future then my job is halfway done.
As for my client’s comments regarding Facebook, I realize how 5 minutes might not seem valuable but by checking my friends’ pages I can get a glimpse into their lives without ever having to pick up the phone.
So that when I do call, it is all the more meaningful because I have somewhere to start from.
Finding out a friend got engaged, passed the bar or had a child are things that take me seconds to respond to and keep in touch.
The point of my article though wasn’t to say my list was right, it was to inspire you to have a list.
The biggest problem for most people isn’t what you do, but doing something.
Most people with 5 minutes, waste 5 minutes.
Watching TV.
Doodling.
Or maybe just twiddling their fingers.
All fun activities but most likely getting you where you want to go.
What works for me was on that list.
Send me a message with what’s on yours.
Adrian Shepherd
I sometimes use 5 minutes well but often waste 5 minutes because I’m just a normal person.
However, I used to say to my ex-students that if you were able to study for 5 minutes on the first day, the following day you were able to study for 10 minutes. It’s accumulation of five minutes.
Now I enjoy reading your blog but it takes me 10 minutes not 5 minutes. Even so, it’s fine because 10 minutes are 5 minutes added for 5 minutes. So, I concentrate 2 times. Good!