- Every once in awhile a student of my Time Management Fundamentals course reaches out and says, "Dave, I like to use XYZ app. "How can I use Time Management Fundamentals "with this particular app?" And the answer that I give them often isn't what they want to hear, yet it is the truth. We're going to get a little philosophical here, so be prepared. My time management training, including the tips and this weekly course, are built in such a way that anyone anywhere in the world using any kind of software program or tool can still practice the principles of successful time management.
Let's focus on that word, principle. A principle is something that is true forever. It doesn't change over time. Like the foundation of a building, a true principle is the foundation of any successful system. If you study principles of success, you can reapply those principles in a variety of different situations. It's helpful to visualize the value of principles like a three-tiered pyramid. At the bottom are principles, the foundation.
Next come the systems, which are a way of doing things. And lastly, above those rest the tools, the implements we use to help us follow a system. For example, one principle that I teach in Time Management Fundamentals is everything has a home and no visitors allowed. That applies to any office or any home, any situation anywhere. To live this principle, we need a system, a process or procedure to follow.
Systems are more flexible than principles. In the example of everything has a home and no visitors allowed, the system we follow is the process by which we determine where things go. In Time Management Fundamentals, I provide a suggested system for filing away papers. Yet if a person wanted to modify that system, there's no issue so long as they abide by the principle of everything has a home and no visitors allowed. Which leads us to the last step, the tools.
Tools are implements that help us follow systems. So, in that example of putting something into its home, I might use a Tupperware container as the tool to store my cables, while you might prefer to use an organizer that you can hang on your wall. Tools are always subject to change based on innovative technology, changes in circumstances, or even shifts in your personal taste. Because tools change frequently, it's important for us to never become too dependent upon them.
Let's put that in perspective by returning to the original question, "Dave, how do I use Time Management Fundamentals "with my favorite app?" The app is simply the tool of the year. It's the implement you'll use today to live the timeless principle, yet you'll likely exchange that tool for another one over time. When I first began privately coaching in time management fundamentals, I personally used Microsoft for everything. Over time, I switched to using Google programs such as Calendar and Gmail, and I'm now thinking of switching back to Microsoft again.
But even with these changes, the systems I follow are relatively stable and the principles never change. I still follow a system of having roughly five hours a week of processing, and I continue to live the principle of having as few number of gathering points as possible. Changing the tool didn't change the value of the underlying principle. So, if you want help with using a particular tool for time management, improve your knowledge about how to use it.
You can search here on the library and find many wonderful tutorials to use a variety of different tools. Most major programs that people use for productivity have tutorials on this library. I'll let the experts in each of those tools focus on helping you learn to use them. But when you and I learn time management together, our focus will be on flexible systems and universal principles. Please bring your favorite tool and apply it in whatever way works best for you.
Author
Updated
4/15/2019Released
4/11/2016Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw provides techniques on a wide variety of topics, designed to help people better manage their time and ultimately become more productive. Tune in to learn about everything from managing emails and calendars to setting priorities, collaborating with coworkers, reducing interruptions, crafting a "productivity mindset," and creating a more comfortable and effective work environment.
Have an idea for a future video from Dave? Submit it using our course feedback form. If you want more time management strategies now, we recommend watching Dave's Time Management Fundamentals course.
- Reducing interruptions
- Dealing with feeling overwhelmed
- Responding to quick questions
- Making the most of meetings
- Following up
- Implementing a closed door, open calendar policy
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
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Q: Why can't I earn a Certificate of Completion for this course?
A: We publish a new tutorial or tutorials for this course on a regular basis. We are unable to offer a Certificate of Completion because it is an ever-evolving course that is not designed to be completed. Check back often for new movies.
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Introduction
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Welcome43s
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1. Time Management Tips
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Power tips for sending email3m 14s
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Positive procrastination3m 15s
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Remove the "busy" tag2m 58s
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Manage digital interruptions4m 19s
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Make the most of meetings2m 52s
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Follow up on delegated items2m 58s
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Become tech savvy4m 33s
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Focus on the person2m 37s
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Time management for students2m 59s
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Ending meetings with action1m 44s
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Building a not-to-do list2m 46s
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Avoiding the crowd mindset2m 58s
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Placing a value on your time3m 30s
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How to schedule a meeting3m 35s
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How to develop flexibility4m 19s
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The trouble with texting3m 48s
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Create a perhaps list4m 58s
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Reduce attention switches4m 46s
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Adapt your favorite app4m 33s
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Make time to get more time3m 49s
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Read vs. unread email3m 52s
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Make time to have fun3m 57s
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Create a morning ritual3m 23s
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When to create new homes3m 26s
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How to reduce spam3m 48s
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Why repetition saves time2m 48s
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Productive passwords2m 3s
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Productive web browser tips1m 51s
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Writing a productive email1m 55s
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Commit to your calendar1m 54s
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What to say instead of ASAP1m 46s
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Set voicemail expectations1m 43s
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Set email expectations1m 46s
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How to use an inbox1m 41s
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How to use an outbox1m 53s
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Video: Adapt your favorite app