Proper planning can set you free

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rodney D. Ivey
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  We all know exceeding the speed limit in our cars is dangerous. We don't need to see statistics. Most of us have already seen the effects with our own eyes.

Why do drivers continue to speed when they know it could endanger their lives or the lives of others? There could be a number of possible reasons, but the one I'd like to touch on is poor planning.

Those who don't plan for enough time to reach their destination have two choices. Drive faster to get there on time, or suck it up and be late. The problem doesn't necessarily lie with the decision to drive too fast. The problem is the reason for being late in the first place.

I know we all have busy lives. At least some of us do. But most people don't realize they don't plan their schedule to avoid being rushed.

For example, I hear some people complain about having to rush to work in the morning. There's a simple solution for this and I'm sure you can guess what I'm about to say. Get up earlier. Sure, I know that sounds easy on paper, but you need your extra sleep, right? Here comes another simple solution. Brace yourself. Go to bed earlier. Trust me, it can be done.

In the famous Jim Croce song "Time in a bottle" there is a line that says, "There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them." Most of us can probably relate to this but perhaps for the wrong reason.

Sometimes when we claim to not have enough time it's because somewhere along the line we wasted the time we had. If you have to stay late at work to complete a task, there's a possibility you could've managed your time better to get the task done earlier in the day. Maybe, maybe not. It's just something to think about.

Another thing to put some thought into is prioritizing. Are you doing things to take up your time that aren't that important or could be done after the top priorities are taken care of? Are you letting important things fall by the wayside because of your unnecessary activities?

I play video games during some of my spare time at home, much to the chagrin of my wife (even though I do get her to play Guitar Hero once in a while). Some people may say I'm wasting my time, but I enjoy playing and I still get my housework done because I've learned to balance my activities. Sometimes it's better to put down the game controller or the "TV clicker" and take care of some of the things you've been putting off.

It's possible to balance work and play. Try sitting down for five to 10 minutes a week and writing a list of all the things you need to do and all of the things you want to do in the next seven days. This may help put your priorities in perspective for you. By the way, there's nothing wrong with planning for time to just relax. But don't forget to get the important things done first.

Proper planning and time management can be the key to success in your professional and private life and, if nothing else, it may help you slow down and enjoy the life passing by your windows.