The Importance of Having a Structured Diary

Lee opens up in this episode, sharing a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage his time effectively. He reflects on the importance of structure and prioritisation to avoid becoming overwhelmed and unproductive. Lee emphasises the need for clarity, conscious effort, and consistency in managing one's schedule and making time for important tasks. He also highlights the limited nature of time and the importance of being kind to oneself by prioritising and sticking to a structured schedule.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Time management is crucial: Managing your time effectively begins with making a conscious effort to prioritise tasks.  Structure helps prevent overwhelm: Lee acknowledges that while they used to believe they were more creative and could go with the flow, they now recognise the need for structure when their task list becomes overwhelming. Having a structured schedule allows for better productivity and prevents feelings of being overwhelmed. Clarity on priorities is essential: Lee highlights the importance of having clarity on what is truly important. He suggests understanding one's priorities and making conscious efforts to stick to them, even when faced with a busy schedule. Consistency is key: Consistency is essential to follow through with tasks and commitments. It's important to be consistent in applying your schedule and making conscious efforts to do what you say you will do at the designated times. Be kind to yourself: Lee encourages being kind to yourself and recognising the need to prioritise personal well-being. 

BEST MOMENTS

"I tend to put off the tasks that I really should be doing, which then compounds the problem." 

"I've realised the importance of structure... I really need to be strict with my time and with my structure and be kind to myself." 

"Do you turn up and just go through the day being led by the diary that other people have maybe put in a load of meetings and you're just going from meeting to meeting that you've not actually put in based on your priorities?" 

"We need to have complete clarity on our priorities and what's important to us." 

"We need to remember that time's limited... always make time for the important stuff." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.