An Interview with David Womack, Jan Hailey, and Dave Jakielo
Time management is a skill we all strive to master, but according to experts, it’s less about managing time and more about managing yourself. In this first installment of the PMI Shorts Time Management Series, David Womack, Jan Hailey, and guest speaker Dave Jakielo share practical insights into effective self-management and productivity strategies.
Redefining Time Management
Dave Jakielo begins by challenging the traditional concept of time management. “You can’t manage time; the clock keeps ticking no matter what you do,” he explains. Instead, the focus should be on managing yourself within the time available. This mindset shift is foundational to making intentional decisions and prioritizing tasks effectively.
Jan Hailey echoes this perspective, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and making intentional decisions. “We’re not managing the clock; we’re managing ourselves,” she says.
Tools and Techniques: Balancing Analog and Digital
The team discusses the ongoing debate between analog and digital tools. Jakielo shares his hybrid approach: using paper for short-term tasks that require immediate attention and digital tools for long-term planning. “If it’s for today or this week, it’s on paper. For anything further out, I use digital reminders to keep me on track,” he explains.
David Womack adds, “I’ve learned it’s not about committing to one method but finding a balance that works for you.” Whether you prefer a physical planner or a task management app, the key is consistency and adaptability.
The Power of 168 Hours
Jan Hailey introduces the concept of the “168-hour week” as a way to understand and manage time better. “We all have the same 168 hours every week,” she says. “What we do with that time is entirely up to us.”
Hailey divides her time into three “buckets”: work, personal activities, and sleep. She evaluates whether she has time available in her work bucket before taking on new projects. “If I don’t have the hours, I decide whether to borrow time from another bucket. If not, I say no,” she explains. This method helps her set boundaries and prioritize effectively.
Tips for Maximizing Productivity
The conversation also touches on practical tips for boosting productivity:
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Tackle the Hardest Task First: Jakielo cites Brian Tracy’s famous advice from Eat That Frog. “If you eat a frog first thing in the morning, everything else seems easier,” he says, highlighting the value of addressing challenging tasks early.
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Identify Your Peak Performance Times: Hailey suggests recognizing when you’re most productive—whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening—and planning your day accordingly.
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Limit Your Daily Goals: Womack advocates for focusing on six key tasks per day. “Write them down, keep them in front of you, and tackle them one by one,” he advises.
Making Time Management Work for You
Ultimately, effective time management boils down to self-awareness and intentionality. Whether it’s balancing analog and digital tools, prioritizing tasks, or dividing time into buckets, the experts agree that managing yourself is the true key to success.
Stay tuned for the next episode of the PMI Shorts Time Management Series, where Dave Jakielo and the PMI team will explore seven steps for accomplishing more and managing interruptions.