Powerful Time Management Tips From My Most Productive Days

Time management is one of the biggest needs for ministry leaders. Tons of information on time management is available, and I encourage you to take a look anytime you can. I have to brush up on my own time management skills several times a year. Time management isn’t something you figure out once and put it into practice for the rest of your life. You need to recalibrate at every new season.

For example: I booked music events, served as a youth pastor, attended school, had social circles, volunteered, and did various other things before I was married.  As a newlywed, I began adding family schedules, trips, vacations, evenings together, bill paying, shopping, etc. Once we became homeowners, I added responsibilities of mowing the lawn, growing the ministry, preaching, singing, reading, leading, and moving things forward. Next came children and life really took a turn. On top of everything else, I had to change diapers, drive to preschool, and spend afternoons and evenings playing, recording, scrapbooking, etc. As the ministry grew, even more responsibility was added.

I think you get the idea.  You may have a similar story. Wise people are always taking stock of their time, seeking to be life long students of good time management principles, and implementing what they learn.

I’m still honing my time management skills. Some weeks are amazing. Other times, I fall off the bandwagon. Some days I feel really productive. Other times, I feel like I haven’t completed anything of consequence by 2 pm.

I’ve noticed that the days when I feel most productive have five common denominators: 

1. Up Early After A Good Night’s Sleep

I have a routine that I follow as much as possible when I’m not travelling, or involved in family or other events. It may sound crazy, but I typically get things ready for sleeping when I get home in the afternoon. I straighten up the bedroom, pull out what I’m planning to wear, etc. Closer to bedtime, I help make sure everyone gets their teeth brushed and their beds ready before we do “one more thing together” (playing a board game, reading a book, or whatever). Around 9:00 pm, I lay down, read a bit, and fall asleep quickly. The next morning, I usually get up a little before 5:00 am and jump right into my morning routine, which I have on my to-do list (prayer, scripture, reading, journaling, writing, walking, and listening).

2. Organized To-Do List / Calendar

When I know what needs to be accomplished for the day, I feel the sense of “need to get it done” and I’m more likely to be productive. I try to write out this list the afternoon before and schedule important things outside of the daily whirlwind. Of the endless number of systems available, I currently use Google Calendars and Google Tasks (both are free).

3. Team Effort

My most productive days often happen when others are involved. When a team member, volunteer or paid, is a part of the goal with me, we seem to work faster, harder, and more efficiently. Accountability and synergy help create great things. Learning to delegate is also a key part of time management. I’m still learning about delegation, but this article helped me.

4. Something Planned At Home

Looking forward to something planned in the evening gets me excited about getting the work done more quickly. Whether we are expecting company, working on a home project, or attending an event that evening, I feel more focused during the workday. Working with anticipation gives me an edge similar to the time management principle of working like I am leaving on vacation the next day. That mindset motivates me to get all the important things done before leaving.

5. Renewed Thought From Scripture

When I wake up and read even a little part of the Bible, my mind is clearer and more focused for the day compared to days when I don’t read the Bible at all. Scripture helps me put things in perspective; helps me work with people more gracefully; and motivates me to stay true to the call of being a disciple.

What about you?  What makes your day most productive?

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OTHER POSTS:

There’s Always Enough Time To Do God’s Will

Consequences of Un-ordered Time

Five Ministry Time Savers