Outlined below is the time management system I developed to keep my days balanced and peaceful. Perhaps someone else will find it useful. The system is hierarchical, and broken down into four parts. Each part is influenced by the one above it.
Part 1: Statement of Purpose
This is the governing level of the system, upon which everything else hangs. It’s a one-page document outlining the detailed, yet fundamental reasons for my existence. Before I can manage my time, I need to understand the ultimate reasons behind my actions. For me, those reasons are deeply rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ (Statement of Faith and Purpose). You can make this your own. I view this document as an anchor which brings meaning into the systems beneath it.
Part 2: The Daily Resolution
Knowing my core values, I wrote down what an ideal day looks like. This isn’t about planning every detail, but rather the core structure. If I were writing a book, this would be the outline. I took inspiration from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule, and modified it to fit me. Obviously, yours may look different from mine, and not everyone will be able to create an ideal schedule. Still, it’s a good idea to take inventory of the flexibility one does have and start there.
Also, the Daily Resolution might change slightly over time as life progresses. The important thing is that any adjustments stay in line with the Statement of Purpose, which governs.
Here’s mine, for reference:
Morning: Rise, exercise, pray, study, and think creatively.
Each day begins with prayer. I thank God and ask for His guidance. My energy levels and cognitive functions are best in the morning, so I also make a point to think creatively at that time. This doesn’t mean I’m not creative at other points in the day. Remember, this is an ideal structure, not a rigid minute-by-minute schedule. I view the Daily Resolution as a compass which keeps me on track, meaning there is grace for failure.
Morning work: Review the day’s business and begin work.
I take out my Action List (more on that later) and review my plan for the day. Once I deem the plan reasonable, I begin work with the most energy-intensive projects first.
Midday: Eat, review my progress, and rest.
I take time to eat, review what I’ve accomplished so far, and unwind a bit before continuing with the rest of the day.
Afternoon work: Complete routine work and plan tomorrow’s business.
As the day progresses, my energy levels begin to decline. Because of that, I’ll work on less taxing, routine projects. When the day’s work is concluded, I’ll take out my Action List (again, more on that later) and plan out the next day. I’ll also review my calendar and make any needed modifications.
Evening: Rest, reflect, and prepare for the following day.
In the evening, I make time to rest, reflect, and think. I’ll ponder the question “What good have I done this day?” then journal and prepare for bed.
Part 3: The Calendar
I use a calendar system to organize appointments, commitments, and other events that require a specific time. It’s a standard setup; even a paper calendar would work. The difference is that now the Daily Resolution provides a framework to build out my weeks while staying consistent with my purpose and values.
I review the calendar regularly, adding items I’ve jotted down throughout the day from my Action List. This helps me avoid being tied down to the calendar while still keeping important commitments visible.
Part 4: The Action List
This is a small notebook I keep with me at all times. I’ll write down things to do that day, such as household tasks, or items to put on my calendar such as scheduling an appointment.
I put a small dot next to items I plan to do that day. When they’re done, I cross them off. At the end of the day, during my calendar session, I’ll add and offload items to and from my Action List.
If something requires a specific time slot on the calendar, such as an appointment or a scheduled visit, I transfer it over to the calendar. Everything else, like quick chores or flexible daily tasks, stays in the notebook. That way, the calendar stays clean, and I’m not tied down to it. Items offloaded to the calendar will typically be crossed off the list.