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Jim L. Smith has more than 45 years of industry experience in operations, engineering, research and development and quality management. You can reach Jim at faceofquality@qualitymag.com.

Jim's Gems: Managing Time

May 8, 2009
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A few things happen to be consuming my time and they have given me pause to think. We all have these times but it’s how we approach them that increases our opportunity to achieve success.

Do you have so much to do that is seems overwhelming? Maybe it’s time to stop thinking about how much there is and start getting it done. Feeling overwhelmed is merely a state of mind that you choose. And just as easily as you can choose it, you can choose to let it go.

A new day, a new week, a new month-it can make you feel like time is quickly slipping away. But in fact, time moves at a constant rate. It comes to us just as quickly as it moves past us.

That means that each moment in time we get the opportunity to make a difference. Each moment, the best thing we can do is to make full and meaningful use of that time.

That is how we get things done. Moment by moment, little by little, small tasks build into great achievements, and those achievements build significant successes.

You don’t have to tackle everything all at once. Just do what you can, when you can, filling each moment with positive purpose and action.

If there is a big task, break it down into bite sizes so it can be seen as something that can be less threatening and more easily consumed. What once might have seemed overwhelming will quickly become a source of satisfaction.

Make sense? Think about it, but not for long as time, and the opportunities, are moving along…
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Time management / feeling overwhelmed

John Gwozdz
May 15, 2009
Well said, Jim. We all fall into this "overwhelmed" vat every once in a while, but knowing when it is happening and even more importantly, how to effectively recover, is the key to success.....to getting things done. Thanks for the helpful reminder. John Gwozdz

Good timing

Mary Ratliff
June 14, 2009
Jim, thanks for these inspiring words. Many of us are feeling overwhelmed and the pressures seem to be ever increasing. Thanks for sharing your insights.

Couldn't agree more

Lee Joy
June 23, 2009
Thanks for the wonderful Gem. I have frequently felt overwhelmed at work and home. Your words helped me focus on a few important things and helped to reduce some of the anxiety that I was feeling. Thanks again Jim. Lee

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