A few years ago I would have never thought “Time Management, Multi-Tasking and Other Myths” was going to be my most requested presentation topic. Then again, given the increasing pace of life, the growing data deluge, the obliteration of work/life balance by hyperconnectivity, and expectation for immediate gratification that has become the new norm, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. As things get more stressful, people seem to be getting hungrier for strategies, encouragement, and relief. A recent version of the program was for a management company retreat. What a great little group of people!! At the end I got a question I hadn’t heard before…”Can I have a hug?” I’m gonna remember that one for awhile! I am glad the program has such a positive impact of people, so I’m very happy to keep offering it.

The Tomasaurus Rex Blog is a tool to help me achieve part of my professional mission – to give away my best stuff – the things I’ve been blessed with over the years. Hopefully, folks can pick it up less painfully than I. (Apparently my strategy for a long time was to make every mistake known to mankind…ultimately effective, but not recommended).

So, since the time management program is apparently some of my best stuff, here are some of the “head-nodders,” as I call them. As a presenter/facilitator, you never know exactly what will resonate. So when you say something and a bunch of heads go down to scribble a note, or tap furiously on the phone, there’s a real good chance it was an impactful point worthy of highlighting the next time you share the topic…or tweet. Of course, if the heads nod and there is no other activity, I put them to sleep. Either way, I learn.

So here are some good “head-nodders” for you – 5 commonly held myths and 8 concepts that might make a difference for you:

The Myths:

1. You can manage time. Actually, time is a constant. 60 seconds is always 60 seconds. You can’t manage that. What we call “time management” is more accurately event management. Or even more accurate than that, it’s energy management. Ultimately, we are really talking about the value you infuse into your time.

2. You can’t manage “time.” Since we are stuck with the term “time management,” we’ll work with that. Those who believe they have no control over what takes up their time are doomed to life as a victim. You can’t control everything, but you certainly have influence.

3. A professional keeps gobs of data in her head. A highway to burn out. Get stuff out of your head and on the paper or screen. Albert Einstein reportedly had to look up his own phone number in the white pages. According to the story, he said just didn’t see any value in keeping things in his mind that he could easily access by other means. There’s a lesson there. (Millennials – I know you have no clue what white pages are. But you’ve already Googled it, haven’t you?).

4. You don’t have time. Usually, it is more accurate to say you are choosing to do something else with your time. Everyone has the same 24 hours. Also, take a look at Pearl #6 below about the nature of tasks.

5. You can multitask. Studies show the mind holds only one thought at a time. We may “hypertask,” but be careful. Fast doesn’t necessarily mean efficient. When you do something poorly, you are probably creating more work for yourself and others in the long run. Efficiency is only valuable when it is a function of effectiveness.

The Pearls:

1. Know the difference between a time investment and a time expense. Huge concept. Too many managers think they don’t have time to do the things that save time in the long run. If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it again? How many hours will you spend later because you didn’t take 15 minutes to nip something in the bud and follow it all the way through?

2. Work from a prioritized task list. A cornerstone of time management. Brain dump everything you have to do, then prioritize. Plan the work, then work the plan. Of course the plan will change. Of course you might not get everything done. But at least the most important things are more likely to get done. Extra bonus – you spend a TON less time and mental energy analyzing and making decisions on what to do next over the course of the day.

3. Important things are rarely urgent; urgencies are rarely important. Everything feels urgent these days. Most “urgencies” are menial. Most important things don’t call, text, email, or IM you. Make sure to make important thing an “A” level task and it will get done. Otherwise, your time can easily be consumed by urgencies and you’ll look back with regret.

4. Know what’s important, and what’s not. One the most important skills of a successful manager. Prioritization is vital. Time and experience are the best teachers. Sorry, kids – try to learn fast. Get a mentor. Ask a lot of questions. “How did that work for you?” and “Why?” are great ones.

5. Outside forces can impact you, but they cannot control you. Only you can control you. Give that up and you are the eternal, miserable victim. Not a great plan.

6. Attitude makes a big difference. Time management is as much mindset as it is skillset. Henry Ford said “If you think you can, or think you can’t, either way you’re right.” Tasks are not always static. Doesn’t everything magically get done the day before you go on vacation? Why? Mostly motivation. And maybe coffee.

7. Apply the “single handling concept”. You can lose upwards of 50% efficiency by stopping and starting tasks. Think efficiencies all the time. Better yet, think effectiveness all the time.

8. You only have one life. Live it purposefully. Apply these principles to your whole life, not just your work. Identify what’s really important, create action plans to achieve goals that get the truly important things done. Get it done one prioritized task at a time. Do that, and you’ll have a legitimate claim to peace of mind. Probably the biggest idea of them all.

This stuff isn’t brain surgery, but you do need persistence and discipline. Do you prefer chaos or achievement? Frustration or joy? Regrets or satisfaction? It’s your choice.