Thinking about time in a chronological manner is not conducive to effective time management. Each moment can never be truly equal. The value of any given moment will always be determined by the way that moment is spent. This view of time, kairos (quality time), is nothing new. There are 5 different categories of time within quality time – results time; preparation time; growth time; fun time and; rest time. When kept in balance, these different forms of time ensure a successful, healthy, happy and fulfilled life. I have previously discussed results time; this post focuses on preparation time.
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What is preparation time?
Results time pays the bills. It is where you work directly with clients – the time you get paid for. In order to make the most of results time, you need to perform at your very best. This is where preparation time comes in. Most people cannot jump straight into a task and perform at their optimum level. Thorough preparation is required for them to produce their best performance. Whether they are delivering a presentation, or conducting a sales meeting; if they go in unprepared, they will more than likely come out unsuccessful. Effective use of preparation time allows them to make the most of these opportunities.
Successful people make their success look easy. They always seem to do the right thing at exactly the right moment. They never seem flustered or stressed. Whatever occurs, they select the appropriate response and move on. This type of success does not occur by chance. We only get to see them during these high performance moments. We don’t get to see the vast amounts of preparation time they have put in to build up to these moments. A great deal of time is spent practising, preparing and organising so that these moments can run smoothly. Plans are put in place for almost every eventuality. Such is the importance of preparation time that the preparation for an even often lasts longer than the event itself.
Preparation time is critical to success but it can be misused. Some people over analyse and spend far too much time preparing. Some spend all their time preparing for an important task but never actually perform the task. They then convince themselves that they are making progress towards their objective. Focusing too much on preparation time can produce the following problems:
- Lack of results and achievements
- Lack of growth and challenge
- Reduced fun and leisure time
- Chronic fatigue due to lack of rest and recovery
For more great time management tips, check out The Organsied Mind.
True and lasting success cannot be achieved without the proper use of preparation time. It is essential. However, it must be kept in balanced. Too little preparation time results in the failure to perform when it matters most. Too much preparation time leads to lack of achievement, poor performance and increased stress. With commitment to proper preparation, experience allows one to accurately predict the quantity and quality of preparation required for each task.