Time Management

Originally posted via LinkedIn

It is the age-old question, “Is there enough time to do it all?”

Will I be there for my kids’ achievements? Could I rise to the occasion for the next time-pressed assignment? Am I giving myself a minute to breathe?

In this article, I will focus on my argument that it is not always about measuring “time” but the values you hold to use your time wisely.

I am Sr. Director of Policy & Market Strategy Qcells USA Corp. , I am the alternative Board member on Solar Energy Industries Association for Qcells, I have 3 kids and a husband. I am a den leader and also very active within my church.

I am often asked – how do I do it?

After years of experience, I have learned to live by my values. In this article, I will focus on my work values:

1. To provide the most value to my place of employment.
2. Foster a positive work environment.

A personal point about myself: I strive for joy and NOT for happiness.

Happiness is fleeting while joy is more of a long-lasting state of being characterized by contentment and satisfaction with life overall. As I am provided with work opportunities that can provide value to Qcells, that is where I find joy in my work. I further find joy when hiccups arise in those projects and I foster positive relations to complete the job.

As we all know, time is a finite resource that we can’t get back. I have not yet discovered a time machine to take me back in time. I cannot erase my past mistakes, but I can use my wisdom to shape a better future.

Thus, I focus on what I can do with the time I do have. I use my time better, I don’t wait for a better time. Here’s what else I’ll share:

• Accept that things change – what was then is not what it is now. Stop doing work that is not of value and start doing the work that brings value. Have the courage to ask, “Is this process still needed?” If so, ask whether the process be streamlined to cut down on time. If after discussing with your supervisor the task is no longer needed, stop the task.
  • Please keep this line that you likely already know in mind → If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.
• Realize that some things do take time—building relationships, gaining experience, setting up efficient processes, etc.
• Learn to delegate and make it a point to delegate.

Other “time” considerations:

I received great advice from a woman who said, “You don’t get to pick your time. Someone else sees that you have the chops for that next role – sometimes even before you see that in yourself.”

I’ve been reflecting a lot this year. I have been telling people I come across this phrase (you may already know), “Just don’t count the years, but make the years count.” I encourage you to find time in your day to thank the people in your life (at work or at home) who are living that philosophy out in real-time.

We are people with very busy lives, but we are also blessed to work at companies like Qcells – (which, I’m proud to say, is part of the @Hanwha team that is named Top 100 most influential companies in the world in 2024). I will leave you with this phrase: The best gift you can give someone is your time.

Remember, you are important to your workplace, family and those around you. I encourage you to focus not on the measurement of time but on the value you place in where you put your time. Please take a minute to introspect about your values and how that fits into your time management at both home and at work.

To read more blog posts from Amy Jo Miller, please see her blog here.