Time Management is a Myth

While speaking on behalf of Monster.com, one of the key components of one of my motivational speeches was time management. I shared with audiences the perception that time was more valuable than money. I even worked with them on proving how valuable time is compared to the dollar. Money management, however, is pretty easy. One considers what they have and they make specific choices. Even budgets are created based on what people have. The individual has the power to control their money however they wish to control it. Money management makes sense to me. Cents, too, if one makes smart choices. Easy.

Here's where I'm stuck: it's time management that now baffles me. You see, whether or not we like it, time goes by. Time is a resource that is abundant like flowing water in a stream. You can't turn it off. You can't manage it. And sure, it can stop at any... time. There are experts in "time management" and professional speakers who focus upon the subject. Yet, can one manage something that can't be touched, traded, modified, or saved?

Imagine you've got an entire weekend. You've got two days and plenty of time. Time, mind you, that will pass before you whether or not you attempt to manage it. I wouldn't bother trying to manage your time, anyway. The solution, mind you, is to firstly, put aside the expression, "time management," and focus on what you may actually be doing - managing your actions. While I would consider using the phrase, "priority management," I know from experience that priorities aren't necessarily important tasks. I feel that priorities are often just really important objectives with no deadline.

Why didn't "action management" become popular? Why did "time management" win the popularity contest? Don't get me wrong. I have a deep love for time and a very personal relationship with it. I just don't attempt to control or manage it given that I understand its needs. All it needs is to just keep going. Like most relationships in my life, when it comes to my relationship with time, I apply understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness, and we get along well. Time's up!