Part 4 – Chapters 23-27 9. What do you think of Randy’s time management skills in chapter 23? If you had one day completely to yourself, what would you do?
I think he provides a great example on how money is not always worth it. It wasn’t worth his time to go hunt down a manager and get a refund for being charged twice. He is correct in thinking that your time has to be managed. We all have a limited time, some more than others to make the most of what is in front of us. I applauded him for being able to do what he did. I feel like I struggle at times being able to maximize my time. I love his ideas of rethinking the telephone. As great as technology can be for us, it can also be the largest hinderance. I also applaud him for the voicemail he had and wanting to be left alone. I don’t think that any one person should be attainable 24/7. People need time to get away and enjoy things that they love.
If I had a day to myself, I think that I would make it a day of exploration. I would love to take a hike that I have not done before and try some new foods. I am the type of person that works too much and adds too much to my plate. I need to learn to say no and realize that is ok. With having our daughter, I am starting to take a step back on some things and make sure that my family is my main priority.
Children definitely do change your perspective on how you manage your time. It's really hard to juggle it all at first, until you finally realize that it's okay to let some things go in order to make time for what's truly important. Enjoy your little one!
As a scientist, who rationalizes many things, I am surprised by many things Randy does/does not do in the book. Like going to find a manager, to right the wrong of being charged twice. I totally understand why he didn't want to waste his time, but I was still surprised. Also, when he poured a Coke in the backseat of his car, I was really surprised by that as well.
I thought...WOW, he has a lot of rules for himself! I must admit that I do not have a list of rules for myself like that. I did agree with his rule for "taking a time out". I know for certain that I need this in order to reset and refresh at times and it has been hard to learn how to live in that moment and not worry about everything waiting for you at home. I struggled with his "delegate" rule. I am not good with this. I would rather do things myself both in my classroom and at home. I like to be in control and I know it makes my life more stressful than it needs to be.
If I had one day completely to myself it would be spent by my pool with a great book, a delicious drink and Dave Matthews playing in the background.
That sounds like a great day, to focus on you. We all deserve those days, but so few of us take the time to do it, but like they say when you are on an airplane -you need to put on your mask first before you can help your neighbor :)
I think Randy's time management skills kind of make sense when you are faced with a time crunch. In his situation, he probably felt like the clock was always ticking and it was all about time; and I get that. I do think it makes sense while reading it and if I were in his situation.
If I had a day to myself I would like to go up to my family lake house and just relax. We have a lot of family memories from there and I enjoy spending my summers there with my family when I can!
Being by the water with family spending time is one of my favorites as well. The pace slows down and simple things like playing a board game or taking a paddle in a kayak is the absolute best.
In my opinion, Randy’s time management skills are amazing. I also have difficulty spending my time on frivolous activities like talking/being on hold on the phone and even passing back papers in my classroom (I learned quickly to delegate this task). I relate extremely well with Toc the dog from “The Phantom Tollbooth” who would constantly get upset with Milo for wasting/killing/spending time. If you’ve never read the book (you definitely should), Toc is a literal watchdog, as in, he actually has a clock built right into the side of him and is VERY serious and intent on how time should be utilized. My third grade teacher gave the the book and when I had children I couldn’t wait to read it to them!
I am not honestly sure what I would do with a day all to myself. It’s been so long since I’ve had one! Perhaps a long walk in a lovely park on a pleasant day. I’d stop along the way on a bench to read a book that has likely been on my list for months, or even years. Hopefully I’ve pre-planned this outing so as to have brought a cup of tea (and forgotten my phone).
One thing I keep wondering is how on earth did Randy find the time to write this book?!
It is crazy to think that many of us can go so long without a day to ourselves. I think that these days are so beneficial to our overall mental well-being.
My day to myself would be quiet, relaxing and reflective- the exact opposite of what my life is like now. I like not having a schedule when time is free.
I love what he tells his students about time management: "It doesn't matter how well you polish the underside of the banister." So many students in my class spend time on details that will never be used in the final project, which could better be spent on making sure the project gets done on time as a completed story. This also ties into what he says about spending time on the right things. Like Randy, I also encourage to-do lists, and chunking projects into smaller tasks to make it easier to keep moving forward. I am thinking about printing this list out as a reminder for my students!
I find it hard to imagine a day completely to myself. It's been so long since I had that luxury! I would probably spend part of it outside in one of my gardens, maybe read a book with a cup of tea, then eat popcorn for dinner so I didn't have to cook! :-D
I like Randy’s list too. You are right, students often spend too much time working on nonessential details. I have had students spend an entire class period simply drawing boxes for a storyboard rather than focusing what goes into each box.
I enjoyed this chapter. A lot of it makes sense to me. You always hear that there is enough time in the day if you make time for it. It is so important to figure out what is important to you because it looks different for each and every one of us. My perfect day would be spending time with my family outdoors. I love the beach and being on the water. Of course eating out somewhere casual just so I don't have to cook. But enjoying the time with my husband watching our 2 little creations enjoy the heck outta life!!
I feel like I am pretty good at planning my time, although I'm not always on time for things. :) But I feel that I do use my time wisely (my husband and I differ in this respect). If my husband has taken the kids somewhere for 2 hours, I usually have done 1-2 loads of laundry, vacuumed the house, and cleaned a bathroom or two. If I take the kids for 2 hours, my husband will have fiddled around in the garage, played with the dog, and maybe start to mow the lawn. :) We keep things in file folders in ABC order like Randy suggested. I loved his advice of "Ask yourself, are you spending your time on the right things?" If I had a day to myself I would probably go shopping and maybe take a nap. Ahhhhh!
Time is a precious commodity. Unlike money, we can never make more time. In the course of our lives, my wife and I have been very intentional about how we spend both. At times I know we had people shaking their heads, but every decision was weighed. I especially agree with the idea that plans can be changed, but you have to have a plan. One hard rule at our house was giving sufficient notice. Our children had friends whose parents' lives seemed to be as changing as the wind. They had no plans and changed what they were doing from one moment to the next. Although we often did things spontaneously or even changed our plans last minute, we were able to do so because we had a plan in the first place. When I get a day, sometimes I like to spend it with friends and family and at other times I just need time to escape from everything. I am in the fortunate position of being able to retire...I have many things planned and at the same time am looking forward to being able to change those plans as I like.
Congratulations on the possibility to retire. I hope that when that time comes for you, you enjoy every second of it! As you mentioned, I also know people whose lives change so frequently and they never seem to have any real plan. They just fly by the seat of their pants.
Randy made very valid points about time management. Who better to talk of time management than a man with only months to live. He was such a genuine, and successful man, I think to have been able to follow him around for a day or two and learn some of his routines and optimistic ways of life would have been an honor. His point, "ask yourself: are you spending your time on the right things?" is a million dollar question. Life is short. For everyone. It is important that we all use our time wisely, doing what we love or what will make a difference in our own life or the lives of others. With 3 young kids, I often wonder what I would do if I had even just a few hours to myself; a day is unthinkable. As much as I would love to go to a spa or do something relaxing, I think I would probably spend my time working on house projects such as organizing, cleaning, or catch up on laundry...uninterrupted.
Unlike material possessions, time is something that can not be purchased. Time is precious. In the chapter Randy gives great suggestions for time management. If I truly had a day to do anything, I probably would spend it doing things for me. I know how selfish that sounds, however it is important to take care of yourself, so that you can take care of others. I would probably spend the day at the spa and then outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
I love his rules for time management, it is so important to set boundaries. It is so easy to get sucked into time wasters.I have to check myself to make sure I am using it well. If I had a day to myself I would spend it in the pool and the garden. I would swim, enjoy the sun and plant flowers. Being outdoors is very relaxing and time well spent for me.
I really respect and like the time management tips that Randy has given. I find the useless time sinks in my life to be some of the most frustrating parts of my day. I hate being on hold, I hate driving, and especially red lights with no one around. I generally don't watch TV without doing someone else at the same time. I have started listening to audio books, and podcasts while driving to make the time feel less wasted. I have two distinctly different types of days off that I love equally. I love a day off where I take my boys somewhere, usually outside, and we explore and experience something or somewhere new. Electronics are not available or on our minds. The other type of day off for me is completely disconnecting and just going fishing. Give me a kayak, a lonely stretch of water, and I am in heaven.
It's funny how some approaches work for some but not others. My wife is the list maker, breaking everything down. I just put it on my calendar when I first hear about it then deal with it when the day comes. I remember as the end of my first year of teaching was approaching, I commented how quickly the year was going by. He said, "Just wait. They get shorter." Twenty years later I understand what he meant. My calendar is packed. With work, and children's schedules, I usually look at my calendar and find one or two days where there is nothing going on. I think to myself, well maybe we can go out that night for dinner or go to a game or show. The problem is that when that day finally comes around, we are so tired, we don't want to go anywhere, so we just sit around and do nothing. I like doing nothing. I just wish I had more opportunities to do nothing.
Randy’s time management skills are impressive. Time management and organization are my major weaknesses. I enjoyed reading his time management ideas and may try to incorporate some in my life and classroom. The idea that I would bring into my class is “You can always change your plan, but only if you have one.” So many of my high school students have no plan for college or a career. They are not aware of their strengths and abilities. If I had one day completely to myself honestly I do not think I would waste it making a list of what I should do, I would do what I want to do. Also, I would waste some time getting my money back.
Randy's time management skills made me laugh. I am (typically) incredibly punctual and organized. (Thus why my always-late friend drove me crazy for years, until I decided to accept her, as is). I've recently become more frugal, so leaving the $16 at the grocery store would have nearly killed me, though on the other hand, I do very much believe there is a price for convenience, and I will usually pay it. Whether it be the early-bird check in, the scheduled shuttle at the airport, or the occasional grocery delivery. If I had one day completely to myself - WOW my house would be clean and my closets would be organized!
I think he provides a great example on how money is not always worth it. It wasn’t worth his time to go hunt down a manager and get a refund for being charged twice. He is correct in thinking that your time has to be managed. We all have a limited time, some more than others to make the most of what is in front of us. I applauded him for being able to do what he did. I feel like I struggle at times being able to maximize my time. I love his ideas of rethinking the telephone. As great as technology can be for us, it can also be the largest hinderance. I also applaud him for the voicemail he had and wanting to be left alone. I don’t think that any one person should be attainable 24/7. People need time to get away and enjoy things that they love.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a day to myself, I think that I would make it a day of exploration. I would love to take a hike that I have not done before and try some new foods. I am the type of person that works too much and adds too much to my plate. I need to learn to say no and realize that is ok. With having our daughter, I am starting to take a step back on some things and make sure that my family is my main priority.
Children definitely do change your perspective on how you manage your time. It's really hard to juggle it all at first, until you finally realize that it's okay to let some things go in order to make time for what's truly important. Enjoy your little one!
DeleteAs a scientist, who rationalizes many things, I am surprised by many things Randy does/does not do in the book. Like going to find a manager, to right the wrong of being charged twice. I totally understand why he didn't want to waste his time, but I was still surprised. Also, when he poured a Coke in the backseat of his car, I was really surprised by that as well.
DeleteI thought...WOW, he has a lot of rules for himself! I must admit that I do not have a list of rules for myself like that. I did agree with his rule for "taking a time out". I know for certain that I need this in order to reset and refresh at times and it has been hard to learn how to live in that moment and not worry about everything waiting for you at home. I struggled with his "delegate" rule. I am not good with this. I would rather do things myself both in my classroom and at home. I like to be in control and I know it makes my life more stressful than it needs to be.
ReplyDeleteIf I had one day completely to myself it would be spent by my pool with a great book, a delicious drink and Dave Matthews playing in the background.
That sounds like a great day, to focus on you. We all deserve those days, but so few of us take the time to do it, but like they say when you are on an airplane -you need to put on your mask first before you can help your neighbor :)
DeleteI think Randy's time management skills kind of make sense when you are faced with a time crunch. In his situation, he probably felt like the clock was always ticking and it was all about time; and I get that. I do think it makes sense while reading it and if I were in his situation.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a day to myself I would like to go up to my family lake house and just relax. We have a lot of family memories from there and I enjoy spending my summers there with my family when I can!
Having a lake house is a wonderful get away! Nothing beats a familiar place with people you love to relax you and “get away from it all”
DeleteBeing by the water with family spending time is one of my favorites as well. The pace slows down and simple things like playing a board game or taking a paddle in a kayak is the absolute best.
DeleteIn my opinion, Randy’s time management skills are amazing. I also have difficulty spending my time on frivolous activities like talking/being on hold on the phone and even passing back papers in my classroom (I learned quickly to delegate this task). I relate extremely well with Toc the dog from “The Phantom Tollbooth” who would constantly get upset with Milo for wasting/killing/spending time. If you’ve never read the book (you definitely should), Toc is a literal watchdog, as in, he actually has a clock built right into the side of him and is VERY serious and intent on how time should be utilized. My third grade teacher gave the the book and when I had children I couldn’t wait to read it to them!
ReplyDeleteI am not honestly sure what I would do with a day all to myself. It’s been so long since I’ve had one! Perhaps a long walk in a lovely park on a pleasant day. I’d stop along the way on a bench to read a book that has likely been on my list for months, or even years. Hopefully I’ve pre-planned this outing so as to have brought a cup of tea (and forgotten my phone).
One thing I keep wondering is how on earth did Randy find the time to write this book?!
It is crazy to think that many of us can go so long without a day to ourselves. I think that these days are so beneficial to our overall mental well-being.
DeleteMy day to myself would be quiet, relaxing and reflective- the exact opposite of what my life is like now. I like not having a schedule when time is free.
ReplyDeleteI love what he tells his students about time management: "It doesn't matter how well you polish the underside of the banister." So many students in my class spend time on details that will never be used in the final project, which could better be spent on making sure the project gets done on time as a completed story. This also ties into what he says about spending time on the right things. Like Randy, I also encourage to-do lists, and chunking projects into smaller tasks to make it easier to keep moving forward. I am thinking about printing this list out as a reminder for my students!
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to imagine a day completely to myself. It's been so long since I had that luxury! I would probably spend part of it outside in one of my gardens, maybe read a book with a cup of tea, then eat popcorn for dinner so I didn't have to cook! :-D
I like Randy’s list too. You are right, students often spend too much time working on nonessential details. I have had students spend an entire class period simply drawing boxes for a storyboard rather than focusing what goes into each box.
DeleteI enjoyed this chapter. A lot of it makes sense to me. You always hear that there is enough time in the day if you make time for it. It is so important to figure out what is important to you because it looks different for each and every one of us. My perfect day would be spending time with my family outdoors. I love the beach and being on the water. Of course eating out somewhere casual just so I don't have to cook. But enjoying the time with my husband watching our 2 little creations enjoy the heck outta life!!
ReplyDeleteYes! That does sound like the perfect day. I love the not cooking idea, and watching your babies plan =)
DeleteI feel like I am pretty good at planning my time, although I'm not always on time for things. :) But I feel that I do use my time wisely (my husband and I differ in this respect). If my husband has taken the kids somewhere for 2 hours, I usually have done 1-2 loads of laundry, vacuumed the house, and cleaned a bathroom or two. If I take the kids for 2 hours, my husband will have fiddled around in the garage, played with the dog, and maybe start to mow the lawn. :)
ReplyDeleteWe keep things in file folders in ABC order like Randy suggested.
I loved his advice of "Ask yourself, are you spending your time on the right things?"
If I had a day to myself I would probably go shopping and maybe take a nap. Ahhhhh!
Time is a precious commodity. Unlike money, we can never make more time. In the course of our lives, my wife and I have been very intentional about how we spend both. At times I know we had people shaking their heads, but every decision was weighed. I especially agree with the idea that plans can be changed, but you have to have a plan. One hard rule at our house was giving sufficient notice. Our children had friends whose parents' lives seemed to be as changing as the wind. They had no plans and changed what they were doing from one moment to the next. Although we often did things spontaneously or even changed our plans last minute, we were able to do so because we had a plan in the first place. When I get a day, sometimes I like to spend it with friends and family and at other times I just need time to escape from everything. I am in the fortunate position of being able to retire...I have many things planned and at the same time am looking forward to being able to change those plans as I like.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the possibility to retire. I hope that when that time comes for you, you enjoy every second of it!
DeleteAs you mentioned, I also know people whose lives change so frequently and they never seem to have any real plan. They just fly by the seat of their pants.
Randy made very valid points about time management. Who better to talk of time management than a man with only months to live. He was such a genuine, and successful man, I think to have been able to follow him around for a day or two and learn some of his routines and optimistic ways of life would have been an honor. His point, "ask yourself: are you spending your time on the right things?" is a million dollar question. Life is short. For everyone. It is important that we all use our time wisely, doing what we love or what will make a difference in our own life or the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteWith 3 young kids, I often wonder what I would do if I had even just a few hours to myself; a day is unthinkable. As much as I would love to go to a spa or do something relaxing, I think I would probably spend my time working on house projects such as organizing, cleaning, or catch up on laundry...uninterrupted.
Unlike material possessions, time is something that can not be purchased. Time is precious. In the chapter Randy gives great suggestions for time management. If I truly had a day to do anything, I probably would spend it doing things for me. I know how selfish that sounds, however it is important to take care of yourself, so that you can take care of others. I would probably spend the day at the spa and then outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteI love his rules for time management, it is so important to set boundaries. It is so easy to get sucked into time wasters.I have to check myself to make sure I am using it well. If I had a day to myself I would spend it in the pool and the garden. I would swim, enjoy the sun and plant flowers. Being outdoors is very relaxing and time well spent for me.
ReplyDeleteI really respect and like the time management tips that Randy has given. I find the useless time sinks in my life to be some of the most frustrating parts of my day. I hate being on hold, I hate driving, and especially red lights with no one around. I generally don't watch TV without doing someone else at the same time. I have started listening to audio books, and podcasts while driving to make the time feel less wasted. I have two distinctly different types of days off that I love equally. I love a day off where I take my boys somewhere, usually outside, and we explore and experience something or somewhere new. Electronics are not available or on our minds. The other type of day off for me is completely disconnecting and just going fishing. Give me a kayak, a lonely stretch of water, and I am in heaven.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how some approaches work for some but not others. My wife is the list maker, breaking everything down. I just put it on my calendar when I first hear about it then deal with it when the day comes. I remember as the end of my first year of teaching was approaching, I commented how quickly the year was going by. He said, "Just wait. They get shorter." Twenty years later I understand what he meant. My calendar is packed. With work, and children's schedules, I usually look at my calendar and find one or two days where there is nothing going on. I think to myself, well maybe we can go out that night for dinner or go to a game or show. The problem is that when that day finally comes around, we are so tired, we don't want to go anywhere, so we just sit around and do nothing. I like doing nothing. I just wish I had more opportunities to do nothing.
ReplyDeleteRandy’s time management skills are impressive. Time management and organization are my major weaknesses. I enjoyed reading his time management ideas and may try to incorporate some in my life and classroom. The idea that I would bring into my class is “You can always change your plan, but only if you have one.” So many of my high school students have no plan for college or a career. They are not aware of their strengths and abilities. If I had one day completely to myself honestly I do not think I would waste it making a list of what I should do, I would do what I want to do. Also, I would waste some time getting my money back.
ReplyDeleteRandy's time management skills made me laugh. I am (typically) incredibly punctual and organized. (Thus why my always-late friend drove me crazy for years, until I decided to accept her, as is).
ReplyDeleteI've recently become more frugal, so leaving the $16 at the grocery store would have nearly killed me, though on the other hand, I do very much believe there is a price for convenience, and I will usually pay it. Whether it be the early-bird check in, the scheduled shuttle at the airport, or the occasional grocery delivery.
If I had one day completely to myself - WOW my house would be clean and my closets would be organized!