My “to do” list grows each day. My completed list seems to stay the same. I call that stress.  The consequences of stress include health problems, workplace accidents (80% attributed to stress) and employee turnover (40% attributed to stress) (Richardson, & Rothstein, 2008). Many strategies can help us with this problem—relaxation techniques, exercise (though I get stressed just thinking about that), eating better, therapy, and so on. One strategy that consistently helps is time management. In my research, I have found that the key elements of time management are having a sense of purpose, goal setting, and prioritizing (Bridgette, et al., 2007).

Having a sense of purpose

Having sense of purpose means deciding which work is “worthy” of completing. This helps us schedule time. For example, if I take the time to give specific feedback prior to a student turning in a final project, I know that that student learns more. Putting a grade on a paper or speech after the project is completed is much faster for me, but less valuable for the student.

Direct selling and MLM companies often have a “worthy” reason for developing a product. For example, Nu Skin started because they felt that skincare products had too many additives. MaryKay started because the glass ceiling in traditional business was too thick to break. Joining a company where you believe in the purpose makes it easier to set aside time to work for them.

Setting goals

Goal setting creates a plan with an end in mind. If I need to get this article written by a Friday, I should set a series of steps in place to see that the goal gets completed. I need research time and I need writing time when other goals are not in the way. Establishing these ideas in my mind or on paper makes it easier to set aside time to write each week. If I let other goals get in the way of that time, I feel stressed and rushed every day that the writing is not completed.

Prioritizing

In the research I found on time management, the last common technique is prioritizing. I think most of us can find worthy work and set goals; the problem comes when other goals and worthy work get in the way. (Some of us may need assertiveness training, so we can learn to say “no”). The trick comes in being able to prioritize.

This last step is where I often get stuck—where I have to take time to make time. I have to set out specific goals. I also find that I have to reward myself when I have conflicting goals so that I do the hardest ones first. For example, writing is not easy for me. I prefer to do almost anything (including cleaning my bathroom) other than write. Consequently, if writing is on the plan, I have to reward myself each time I set a short term goal and achieve that goal.

In times of stress, I hope you find a solution that fits you. The solutions range from eating right, to exercising, to writing in a journal. The key to all of the stress reduction techniques is taking a little of our precious time to create more time.

Brigitte J.C. Claessens, Wendelien, v. E., Rutte, C. G., & Roe, R. A. (2007). A review of the time management literature. Personnel Review, 36(2), 255-276. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00483480710726136

Ortgvist, D., & Wincent, J. (2006). Prominent consequence of role stress. A meta-analytic review. International Journal of Stress Management. 13(4). 399-422. Doi.10.1037/1072-5245.13.4.399

Richardson, K.M., & Rothstein, H.R. (2008). Effects of occupational stress management intervention programs. A meta-analysis. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. 13(1). 69-93. Doi. 10.1037/1076-898.13.1.69.