Time Constraints Got You Down
Do you find there are not enough hours in the day? If you don’t manage your time, it will be managed for you. It will be scheduled and stolen by others who need you.
Nashville, Ark. – Now that school is back in full swing with ball games, after school band practice, dance practice, cheerleading practice, and the list goes on and on, do you find there are not enough hours in the day? If you don’t manage your time, it will be managed for you. It will be scheduled and stolen by others who need you.
In order to be at your best, you must learn to slow down and take time for yourself. To sit on the porch and watch the sun go down may seem unproductive to some – but if it leaves you rejuvenated and ready to give your all to a project, then it is time well spent.
One of the reasons we don’t accomplish all we would like to is that we allow time wasters to steal our precious hours and minutes. Some common time wasters are:
- Procrastination: This can be avoided by setting a deadline for yourself with specific goals. You will be less likely to procrastinate. You might also reward yourself when the job is finished.
- Misunderstandings: When receiving or giving assignments, make an effort to assure yourself that everyone involved fully understands. If things aren’t done right the first time, when will you have time to do them over?
- Interruptions: If you need to work in isolation, find somewhere quiet. This may be somewhere away from home. Things to do at home can always get in the way. The phone may ring constantly.
- Lack of Preparation: Plan before meeting with others. Know what points you need to cover and what answers you want – and expect the same of them.
- Perfection: Give frank consideration to just how important perfection is to each task facing you. Extreme perfection is an unrealistic use of time. This is not to suggest that you compromise your standards – just be realistic.
- Clutter: if you can’t find it, you lose considerable time searching. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is ideal. If you must purchase another one, because you can find what you are looking for, is not realistic either.
- Decisions: If too many basic decisions require your attention, you lose time. Help others to develop the ability to make decisions. Make decisions at the lowest level possible.
Learning to manage your time is a useful leadership skill. This and other leadership topics are offered through the Extension Homemaker programs in Howard County. The Extension Homemaker program is open to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Call the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse to learn more about EHC!
Recipe of the Week
This recipe was shared by Howard County 4-H Program Assistant, Tina Williams. She enjoyed this recipe recently at a potluck. She said it was delicious!
Shoepeg Corn Casserole
2 cans shoepeg corn
1 can French cut green beans
1 can cream of celery soup
1 (8 oz.) container sour cream
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup slivered almonds, divided
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1 ½ sticks butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together corn, green beans, celery soup, sour cream, onion, cheese and ½ of the slivered almonds. Pour into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over top of casserole. Sprinkle remaining almonds on top. Bake uncovered in a 350º oven for 45 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative
action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need
materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other
appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.