Managing Time? Doesn’t the Creator do that?

Managing Time? Doesn’t the Creator do that?

Time Management can be practiced in a variety of different ways. For many Nations, time was perceived in cycles. This means it functioned like a medicine wheel, connected to cycle of seasons and night/day that is ever-changing and informs day-to-day tasks or culture like storytelling.

The Western way of perceiving time, which is the way most people now follow, is linear.

What is Time Management?

Managing your time is all about organizing your day and week so that you can take care of all the things you have to and want to do. Think about all they you have going on - school, hanging out with friends, visiting your Mosom or Kukum, or getting back and forth, or just some personal downtime. All these things take up time, so it's smart to set aside specific days for each one. That way, you can manage your time like a boss and make sure everything gets done.

Planning Digitally or By Hand?

A dated day planner is your best friend. This is a planner that has a page for every day of the year, each page includes a space to write down tasks and commitments that take time.

This could be a digital one, many phones or tablets come with a free calendar app pre-installed. Or a physical one may be easier to manage, they are cheap and widely available at places like the dollar store or on Amazon.

Scheduling your time in order.

Plan your tasks weekly, prioritizing the most important ones first. Add things that are important to you like smudging, ceremony, leisure time and social activities to your schedule. This way, you can manage your social obligations and still have personal time. Remember that time management only works if you stick to your schedule and show respect for your time.

Actions for Managing Time:

• Buy a day planner, calendar, or download a calendar app that you like.
• Make a list of the responsibilities you have this month. Note deadlines, appointments, work shifts, and classes. Don’t forget ceremonies and important dates!
• Add deadlines to your planner or calendar first. Then add appointments, work shifts, and classes.
• Use the remaining time to schedule work on projects and then social and personal time.
• Always update your planner when things change and stick to the schedule you've made.