Doing Time

by Tamara Leatham Bailey

Are you having the time of your life? Or are you always scrambling to find the time you need to get things done? Well, now is the time to get organized! Here are some timely tips:

Find Hidden Time:

Get up a little earlier. Even 15 minutes can make a difference in your day.
Keep things where they belong so you don’t waste time searching for them.
When you’re in charge of a meeting, start on time.

Plan Your Time:

Make a to-do list. Number each item by importance, and work through your list in that order.
Keep a calendar for important school, church, family, and social events.
Set imaginary deadlines for yourself. Having a goal to work toward can help get you going.

Have a Good Time:

Reserve some quiet time for relaxing.
If you finish all you need to do and still have time left over, great! Do something you enjoy.

Decide How to Best Spend Your Time:

Make sure you are using your time for the most important things. Keep in mind that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (see Alma 34:32).
If you’re still not getting everything done, that’s okay too. Re-evaluate your priorities and decide whether you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Remember that “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl. 3:1).

Illustrated by Steve Kropp