Do you even know what you got done?

• Most of the time I don’t know what happened by the end of the week except with this little resource I started using recently
• You’ll see what hit my head (literally)
• Bit on future plans

Check it out:

In case you know an alternative word, lemme know:

(+ anything else you got out of this)

It’s been way too long – nothing has been posted on this site.

Problem = lack of system = slow or no progress

What happened?

• 2 weeks ago I completed a T4T vid (with the editing help of Mahfooz) but didn’t post it because I wanted to finish the other stuff
• 1 week ago I made a video…but it was on my sister’s computer and then she took her laptop home
• This week I made a video, but o look my laptop is pretty garbage so it can’t “handle” video editing
• Software didn’t install at uni, couldn’t borrow my sister’s for few hours and now I finally figured “Why not use my dad’s work laptop that’s lying in the very next room!”

Now I’m sitting here with two 95% and one 60% completed tasks but nothing to show for. However, now I’m working on bringing them all to 100%…

@Workstation

Solution and my Future Plan

Create systems – a process to follow from start to finish with alternatives set out in case of unanticipated problems. With that done, I know I wouldn’t waste all these days next time it happens.

Another reason why you want to create a system or process of work is to use thinking energy for creative or valuable tasks, not mundane day-to-day work.

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For myself, I try to use the knowledge I share, so in this case I didn’t want to wait until I’m on a laptop with internet to write it…so this article was done on my BlackBerry while waiting in a 20 minute line at the bank last Friday.

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So ya, I’ve got a few videos and announcements over the next few days so stay alert and stay safe.

ps. Anyone (Canadians) get a flashback to the safety cartoons outro “Stay Alert, Stay Safe *dada*” - on GlobalTV during the early morning cartoons

Being on Time

[Read Time >> 2.5 minutes]

OK, I’ve got 2 stories and a 1/2 for you.

Story #1 >> Late = not cool

So 2 weeks ago I made an appointment to call a brother at ____ time the upcoming Friday for important stuff. Everything’s good so far and I’m excited.

…Friday rolls in. I saw that my brother-in-law (Nakib) was taking Sh.Kamal Al Makki for his Jum’ah khutbah before his “Mercy to the Worlds” course with AlKauthar Institute in Toronto, so I tag along.

Had a good time, got home and (dan, dan, dannn) I got an email of disappointment — I missed the call!

[[I could almost hear few people laughing, because I had another mishap recently...but that's confidential ]]

To cut the story short, I felt like crap and fortunately managed another meeting.

This time, I had the reminder on my wall, cellphone, and I knew there was no way I’ll mess this up. I was on campus at the time, and the only good place was outdoors (cold Canada by the way), but the call was made and I’m happy again.

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Lesson - The difference the 2nd time around was that I made all the arrangements to be there on time (early) + gave him his right upon me to show up. ((Also, not keeping to your word lowers your value (in their eyes and probly yours) and it’s plain disrespectful))

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Story #2 >> Plan for Blood…

Nose Bleed

Disclaimer: This is a bit gross, so skip to the lesson if you so wish…but I’ll admit it’s funny too

On Sunday I was getting ready to go for Dhuhr at the masjid. I got ready well in advance and the story was perfect in my mind…but there’s a special surprise waiting for me: Blood.

That’s a bit dramatic, it was actually a nose-bleed (I get them quite often so it’s not a big deal). This was persistent one so there I was for over 10 minutes with bloody tissue, and a bloody nose, and bloody sink (eww, I know, I was there)

BUT the story has a happy ending.

It was 1:01 pm, I rushed to get my jacket and ran out of the house. And there I see Nakib getting into his car so at least I had a faster ride there.

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Lesson: Plan for the unexpected, be earlier than needed, and you’ve got yourself covered in case of emergencies. Keepin’ it clean.

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Here’s the point of it all, take yourself and other people seriously. Don’t let punctuality be a reason for you to miss the important things in life; whether it’s family stuff, education, work/business, salaah, etc.

I don’t know if it’s an issue for you, but it’s one of my weaknesses.

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO BE A PUNCTUAL PERSON, PERMANENTLY

So that’s that.

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Your Turn, What’s your story?

Whether it’s about punctuality, a lesson you learned , or if you get nose bleeds too – Comment Below.

Of course, if you’re feeling shy and don’t want to comment BUT you liked this article, just say “MORE” and I’ll get that your way

In life there are also things we live our life by, thinking it’s true but we just bought into the wrong ideas. Here are 5 Myths about Time Management

#1 – I don’t have Time for Time Management

Isn’t this so ironic?

Here’s what it comes down to: Feel the short sting of self-discipline or the crushing weight of regret?

Time management and increased productivity will free up more time in your life, work, and/or studies than ever before, but like most good things in life there is a price to pay. The effort it takes to just clean up the work area, prioritize the important work,  or whatever it may be, will bring much greater returns.

#2 – I work best under pressure

This one is funny and sad and can be devastating.

Funny because it’s so not true. Being tensed, stressed, under pressure for too long or too often is harmful for a person’s health as well as other areas of life.

Sad because many people believe this.

It does have a benefit though, now it feels like there’s a legitimate excuse to procrastinate until the last minute [aka watch Prison Break or something]. When the pressure does come, I know you know they’re not the most fun person to be around. Obviously when there’s a deadline looming over somebody’s head they can be irritable.

Devastating because it can creep into a person’s deen; waiting until the last 15 minutes to pray the salaah, asking “is it halal to…” when the contract is ready and awaiting signature, contacting the biryani place 30 minutes after the event has started and people are in line for dinner. So pressure –> definitely not ideal working situation.

#3 – I don’t want to be stuck to an agenda

Nobody said this is rule #1 of time management anyway. However, if something needs to get done then I’m sure they want to get that done as easily and effectively possible; why not follow through with the plans and enjoy the free time.

#4 – I’m not a neat freak

Managing time isn’t about managing your closet.

Whatever is important or necessary for something that’s important, just make sure it’s available.

• Ex. Going to the gym – just have the shoes and clothes ready beforehand.
• Ex. Going to class in the morning – have a pen and the book handy (unless of course you work best under pressure and want to rush to find them before you leave

#5 – I’m unfixable

This one might be true…

It’s really on the person to make the changes in their life. Sure, every time management technique or system may not be your favorite but atleast give it a fair try. See what works for you and go with that, leave the rest. Even if it’s a tough situation, do what you can do.

Give yourself a fair chance; you may be standing in the way of your success. Our life is nothing more than the limited time we have,  so let’s make the best of it.

So there they are – 5 Myths about Time Management

————— What do YOU think?

If you’d like to defend one of the myths or share your thoughts just comment below.

At the very least, if you liked this article and are interested – write a comment saying “More”

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