Time Management – Viewing Time As A Non-Renewable Resource
When time is viewed as a non-renewable resource it
often becomes easier to understand the importance of
managing it wisely. As with any resource, there is a
direct relationship between the supply of, and the
demand for, that resource.
When there is an overabundance of time, it is more
easily wasted. Likewise, when there is a shortage of
the resource – in this case, of time – it becomes
necessary to more effectively manage even the smallest
amount of it.
Beginning to effectively manage time often begins with
a change in perspective regarding time. Each day
provides only a specific number of hours, minutes and
seconds, in which to accomplish goals, and complete
tasks.
When working under a deadline, then, every minute or
hour is considered a resource which one could feasibly
use to the full extent, in order to meet a specific
goal. The resource is non-renewable. Each moment or
hour that is used up is a percentage of a resource
which will not be replenished.
When there is a shortage of any resource it becomes
important to closely monitor its uses. Consider the
response to a shortage of water. Certain activities
are eliminated from use, such as watering plants,
whenever there is a state of draught.
Limited activities make the most use of the resources
available. The individual undertaking a time
management program then, will need to learn to
identify the ways in which even the smallest amount of
time is wasted, as well as to carefully oversee their
own limited supply of this valuable resource.
