Having the dreaded "scheduled life"
One of my biggest resistances is 'being scheduled'. Now, of course, I'm a grown up and have a functional work life, but I still have a resistance to scheduling everything like I might shrivel up or something. However, I know more now why scheduling (with suffient free time) will actually help me be even more efficient and possibly get more done with less effort by staying on track. I appreciated this course for sure!
I let my supervison know in a delicate manner (read no anger allowed) that I am a capable individual WRT tasks/workload/assignments...you have to know your boss though! I use e-mail to provide progress reports (usually weekly) - this prevents drive-byes from asking for progress updates. I like e-mail b/c it documents my status. I may seem like a grinch - but in healthcare/academics/education - I deal with individuals bringing a variety of "gifts" to the table. Some gifts are more appreciated than others...
Joseph,
Well put. How do you deal with supervisors who want to be looking over your shoulder?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Schedules and "to-do-list" give a snapshot of things to do/accomplish. I too dislike being bottled into a schedule. For hi-priority items - this is important. For your lesser important items - let me be flexible. I am a great reader of Scott Adams, aka Dilbert. The lessons learned vis-a-vis the pointy haired boss are hilarious and unfortunately all to often the norm. I am a seasoned professional - I am able to prioritize and accomplish. I don't need you constantly looking over my shoulder.
I don't see a real downside to the "scheduled life"...time flows forward & we can either (a) 'intercept' it and schedule-in tasks that contribute to goals or (b) let it roll over us (!).
I struggle with it, partly because I am both a creature of email and a creature of that most quaint and anachronistic planning tools: PAPER calendars and planners (e.g. Filofax). But I've slowly adopted a belief that by scheduling almost anything (i.e. any task) that matters or relates to a goal -- up to and including weekly running miles, gym sessions, and other 'personal' matters -- I have a better handle on BOTH the personal and professional side. I'm able to get more done or, in some cases, "buy myself" some additional free time through efficiency and priorities, and always having a good written gauge of where each project or task is going.
Hello,
I too have had that problem. My solution was to post dates and events on a white board in the bed room to remind us to live a little.
I used to feel the same way. I hated having a calendar. Now, I can't live without it. No matter if it's home or work, if someone tells me about an event/meeting/social gathering, my first response is "Put it on my calendar." I learned to love lists, too. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment when I make a to-do list in the morning and cross off as I go through the day. I do this at home, too. I try to make it a game to see how much I can cross off my list in a weekend. As mentioned in the course, I realize that I do need to learn to give myself a 20% time cushion!
Alise,
I am glad to see you garnered some valus from the course. I sometimes "schedule" my freetime just to make sure I get it.
Jeffrey Schillinger
