silver or gold. It's something
nobody can buy and the
feel overwhelmed. I am thrilled to
share with the readers how I manage
my time. I must have an "Action Plan"
to be successful with the task of
the day. It's always flattering to me
when people ask, "Do you ever sleep?"
I would often laugh at the question
but in the grand scheme of things
now I understand why I am asked that
so often.
the Dallas Morning News; I hosted
a segment on Good Morning Texas,
the Cheryl Action Jackson Show and
the Dallas Community Show as well
as a one hour radio show. I was a wife,
mother and I was starting a grassroots
charity called Minnie's Food Pantry.
It's not easy to manage a charity like
Minnie's Food Pantry, especially when
in it is in grassroots stages. There
were a lot of nights that I cried myself
to sleep from worrying about my "to
do" list. It became overwhelming
and tiresome. Then one day I had
a personal meeting with myself and
I "Took Action". I categorized and
prioritized my life and my daily tasks.
of trying to do everything within a 24
hour period and that was impossible
to do so I began to put tasks in
order of importance. I start my
direction and I keep my eyes and
ears open to when an interruption
in my day is because of Him. In the
mornings, I return all phone calls
and emails. Then the most important
thing I do is to start on the tasks
that I don't want to do. In the past, I
be upset at the end of the day that the
tasks were still incomplete. My Take
Action list gives me a clear vision of my
month, my week and my day. There
are no guessing games involved. I
used to check my email hourly, now
it's three times a day. When I am
working on a task I give myself a time
goal. When I have exceeded that time,
want to continue the project or move
it to the next day. I also schedule
times to respond to phone calls and
emails. I continually ask myself "What
is the best use of my time right now?"
If it is not important, or urgent, I
don't do it. I celebrate my success
by writing down Completed Action
Items so I can stay motivated. I also
stay away from sticky notes. They
drive me crazy; we know we have a lot
to do, why raise your blood pressure
with reminders everywhere. I also
Delegate a task and I had to learn
that the hard way any task or chore
that I do, that can be handled by
someone else I delegate.
brief and I have a clearly defined goal
for the meeting. The most important
thing is that I Take Action and I am
honest with myself. I have to live
a balanced life and when I'm not, I
Take Action and make adjustments.
This year I will turn 45, I am a wife,
mother and grandmother. I work hard
and now, I want to take time and play
hard. Always, always make time
for yourself and reward yourself
for the tasks that you complete.
Don't feel guilty when you do it. Why?
Because you deserve it! Remember
that your time is valuable and your
words, actions and commitments
should reflect it.