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Time Constraints Got You Down

Do time wasters steal your precious hours and minutes? The following tips may help you better manage your time.

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, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 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

            Here is a recipe to enjoy anytime of the year; however, it is especially good now. It just makes you think of fall and cooler weather. This recipe has only 70 calories, 0 fat, 18 g. carbohydrates, and is high in fiber with 2 grams per serving. Experiment with other fruits including pears and peaches.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

4 cups thinly sliced, peeled cooking apples (3 to 4)

¼ cup water

3 Tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Non-stick cooking spray

Topping:

1 cup quick cooking oatmeal

3 Tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

3 Tablespoons margarine, melted

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. For the filling, combine fruit and water in a large bowl.
  4. Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon; add to fruit; stir until fruit is evenly coated.
  5. Spoon into baking dish.
  6. For topping, combine all ingredients in medium bowl; mix well until oatmeal is moistened.
  7. Sprinkle evenly over fruit.
  8. Bake 30-35 minutes or until fruit is tender.

Yield: 6 servings (1/2 cup each serving)

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.

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