It’s already November. Where has the time gone? Every year I am amazed how fast time flies. The first marking period is upon us and acknowledging the third habit seems quite fitting for this time of year.
Work first, then play.
As adults, we know how important it is to teach children to complete their work first before they play. We encourage them to get ready for school, complete their homework, and finish their chores before watching television, playing with friends, or going outside. It is difficult for most children to work first, then play. However, we can all agree that time management is a challenging task for adults as well.
“Be assured that you’ll always have time for the things you put first.”
– Liane Steele
Stephan Covey addressed time management in his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He included this time management matrix that divides the way we spend our time into four quadrants. This concept can also be demonstrated with the analogy of large jar filled with rocks and sand. The jar represents time, let’s say 24 hours. The rocks represent the many different jobs, tasks, and commitments that must be completed that day.
Quadrant I can be represented by big rocks. These are the tasks and responsibilities that you must get done. They are both urgent and important and may include, appointments, emergencies, and the necessities of daily life.
Quadrant II includes important tasks that are not urgent. These tasks are also big rocks, but they might get left in the dust when compared to the urgent, less important tasks in Quadrant III. They include activities such as planning, recreation, exercise, family time, and self-care. The Quadrant III tasks are represented by sand because although they are less important, theoretically smaller in size, they can fill the jar very quickly. They may include phone calls, obligations, being a “yes man,” and completing unproductive errands. These tasks demand our attention but too often fill the majority of our time.
Finally, Quadrant IV are the tasks that are not urgent and unimportant. These tasks can be beneficial in small amounts. Think of these as the water that fills around the gaps of the rocks and sand. If the jar was filled to the brim with water, there would be absolutely no room for rocks and sand. Quadrant IV tasks demand balance. There should always be room for winding down, but certainly after important and urgent tasks have been given priority.
During this time of year, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. I encourage you to fill your jar with the big rocks first. Make sure there’s room for your family and for yourself. The sand will fill the gaps and doesn’t have to fill the whole jar. Add some water and relax. As you teach your children how to put first things first, remember the importance of what is taking precedence.
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”
-Micheal Altshuler
Submitted by Allison DeMaagd, Social Work Intern
Miss Johnston, I’m so glad that you posted this reminder. It is so timely! I wanted to share a link to a story that I just read to my class. I think it perfectly illustrates habit #3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTjElJ7a6UQ