Leader in Me Habit 3

Principles of Personal Management

Habit 3 is where habit 1 and 2 join together. When we are proactive (habit 1) and set goals for ourselves (habit 2) we then need an effective way to achieve our goals. Habit 3 is where we can practice using time management skills as well as prioritizing our tasks in order to most effectively achieve our goals.

So, how do we begin to prioritize? The first thing to keep in mind is that Covey reminds us that it is okay to say no and that not doing everything that comes our way is okay. We prioritize based on level of importance, in reference to our own personal values, and urgency. Covey describes 4 quadrants to use when prioritizing and further explains that effective people stay out of quadrants 3 and 4. Entering quadrants 3 and 4 means you are spending time on things not of highest value to you. The goal is to use effective time management skills so that you can find yourself in quadrant 2, where you can accomplish things that are important to you, but not urgent. When we find ourselves in quadrant 1, we might feel overwhelmed or frustrated. This is when we can revisit some of our time management skills and prioritize in a way so that we can dissipate the sense of urgency. We can fulfill our tasks most effectively and confidently when we are working on things that are important to us and when we do not feel the pressure of time.

Four Generations of Time Management
1: Notes and Checklists
2: Calendars and appointment books
3: Prioritization, clarifying values, comparing the relative worth of activities
4: Preserving and enhancing relationships and accomplishing results

How can we help our children time manage? Teach children to keep checklists, have a planner and to mark on a calendar when things are due. Children can set daily goals for themselves so they can accomplish tasks early and feel confident, comfortable and calm when working on things in quadrant 2!

Below is a goal setting activity that you can help your child fill out. Help them set their goals for 2014 and plan how to accomplish them.