About the Episode
What do boulders, big rocks, and pebbles have to do with time management? A lot, actually! In this episode, Jeremy chats with Time Management Coach Anna Dearmon Kornick who offers tips and strategies to help you figure out how to spend your time on what truly matters. Key takeaways include:
Key Takeaways
- Time Management Starts with Values: Define what matters most by aligning your time with your vision and personal core values.
- Prioritize Effectively: Categorize tasks into boulders (important, non-urgent), big rocks (important, urgent), and pebbles (small, administrative tasks) for better prioritization.
- Combat Multitasking with Focus: Context switching disrupts productivity. Practice monotasking by eliminating distractions and focusing on one task at a time.
- Time Blocking is Essential: Use time blocks on your calendar to contain tasks and manage work effectively, accounting for productivity pitfalls like the planning fallacy.
- Self-Assess Regularly: Conduct time studies or weekly evaluations to identify areas for improvement and celebrate progress.
- Delegate Strategically: Leaders should focus on their "genius zone" work and delegate non-essential tasks to empower their teams and enhance productivity.
Episode Summary
Time Management is Heart Management
Anna emphasizes that time management begins with understanding what truly matters to you. By defining your personal core values and vision for the future, you can better align your time with your priorities. For young professionals, starting with a one-year vision helps make this process more manageable. Anna advises asking questions like, "What would I need to do in the next year to live my best life?"
- Pro Tip: Use your vision and values to guide daily decisions and ensure that your time is spent on what aligns with your goals.
Prioritize Tasks with the Boulder, Big Rock, and Pebble Method
Anna introduces a simple method to prioritize tasks:
- Boulders: Important, non-urgent tasks like personal development or wellness activities.
- Big Rocks: Important, urgent tasks tied to deadlines and goals.
- Pebbles: Small, routine tasks that can fill in gaps between higher-priority items.
To implement this method, mark each task with a "B," "BR," or "P" to identify its category and block time accordingly.
- Example: Instead of letting pebbles dominate your day, start with boulders and big rocks to ensure meaningful progress.
Avoid Multitasking and Context Switching
Multitasking, or "context switching," creates productivity loss due to "attention residue," where your brain struggles to fully transition between tasks. To combat this:
- Monotask: Focus on one task at a time.
- Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Limit notifications, clear your workspace, and set expectations with colleagues.
- Pro Tip: Physically remove your phone from your workspace to resist the urge to check it during focus time.
Time Blocking for Success
Anna highlights the importance of time blocking to combat productivity pitfalls like Parkinson’s Law (work expands to fill the time available) and the planning fallacy (underestimating task durations). Allocate specific time blocks for each task, adding extra time to account for unexpected delays.
- Tip: Use tools like digital calendars or apps to integrate time blocks into your daily schedule.
Evaluate and Celebrate Progress
Consistent self-assessment is crucial for improving time management. Anna suggests conducting a weekly "CEO Report" by answering questions like:
- How did the week go?
- What did I learn?
- What could I do differently?
- What’s my biggest priority next week?
- How will I celebrate my progress?
This reflective practice helps identify wins and areas for growth, keeping you motivated and aligned with your goals.
The Power of Delegation
For leaders, delegating tasks outside their "genius zone" is essential for maximizing productivity. Start with straightforward tasks and gradually hand off more complex responsibilities by documenting processes and expectations. Delegation also provides team members with growth opportunities, fostering a stronger team dynamic.
- Pro Tip: Use tools like screen recording to document step-by-step instructions for tasks you delegate.
This Episode is Brought to You By Our Friends at Ologie
In higher education, it’s almost impossible to truly stand out. Ologie gets it. As a branding and marketing agency that focuses on education, they understand that what makes you authentic, is also what makes you distinct.
Ologie offers award-winning creative, smart strategy, innovative thinking, and expert digital marketing. Most of all, they’ll help you connect with your audiences, bring your stakeholders together, and achieve the results that matter most to you.
Want to find out more about how you can build a compelling brand or campaign? Visit ologie.com.
About the Enrollify Podcast Network
Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
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Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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