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Do you have a plan?

Did you know that (according to research by Franklin Covey in Utah) 87% of Americans start their day without planning? Wonder how us South African’s fare? In my experience, delegates attending Time Management in South Africa are the same (if not worse) than the Americans. Most people who don’t plan say they’re too overwhelmed with the tasks ahead of them, to actually make time to plan them. Instead, they find themselves dreading the numerous projects on their plate, and spending more time running around in a disorganised frenzy, than using their time wisely.

Planning is quite possibly the most important facet of time management. It’s a proactive way to manage your days. You can’t afford NOT to plan. By spending time planning, you actually have time added to your day.

DuPont conducted time-effectiveness studies, which support the theory that for every one minute spent planning, the time required in order to complete a project is usually reduced by three or four minutes. This may not seem like a lot, but consider your larger tasks. For every four hours you spend planning, for example, you’d save up to 16 hours (that’s two full work days) on the completion time of the task.

Planning is one of my strengths purely because I have a good model and I am disciplined in using it! I call it the 6P’s and (in a nutshell) it’s about Picturing, Planning, Prioritising, Preparing, Practising and getting Pointers (feedback to help you improve). I take time every evening to look at the day ahead and to scan the week ahead of that. This allows me to take stock of what lies ahead and take care of the preparation required.

You too can have a plan that works!

  1. When is the best time for you to sit down and plan your week? A Friday afternoon, Sunday evening? Only you can answer this question… make an appointment (yes, literally add it to your diary right now) and use it to plan the week. You will be amazed at how much time you save by just making proper planning a priority!
  2. What do you have planned for YOU? Make an appointment with yourself. This appointment is time for you to “recharge” your battery – have coffee with a friend, go for a massage, reflect on what your long-term goals are or simply do “NOTHING”. Treat this appointment like you would treat an appointment with an important client. Protect it and take care of yourself.Make a plan to make a difference in your life this week… and the next and the next…!

    Key Steps is here to support you to
    increase your skills, gain practical tools, get the most of your resources and work and live differently. We are honoured to be part of your journey and assist you to take Key Steps to…

 “be the difference that makes the difference

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Namaste,

 

NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly  ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.

Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, EQ Expert, Founder and CEO

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

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