NYMC Reflections (Post 4 of 4)

I'm a list maker. That A-Type personality that thrives on crossing things off my to-do list. I confess that sometimes even when I do something that's not on my to-do list that I will compulsively go back and put it on there, just so I can cross it off. I'm a sicko, really.

So when I decided to go to Jana Sarti's "Must Have Administrative Skills" workshop, I knew I would be feeding my over-achievedness. Using the mantra taught by her mother, Jana based her habits on the following rhyme: "A messy bed makes a messy head." I knew it! I knew it! I'm a firm believer of making my bed everyday because it makes me feel like I'm on time, my house is clean, and I'm well organized. That, and I can't stand getting into messy mangy sheets at the end of the day. But, it's so true! I feel unprepared mentally and spiritually when I don't give myself enough time to make my bed.

Although I felt like I knew most of the tips, there were a few that helped clarify my management philosophy. For instance, it's imperative that I manage my time first, then manage my ministry's time. Ever since my internship I've learned to make SMART goals, but learning to prioritize has further helped me. Another way to look at it is making A, B, and C priorities. "A" priorities are those that move me toward a major goal. "B" priorities are those secondary in importance and time sensitivity and "C" priorities are more like goals that would be nice to do.


Last and perhaps most important, I've learned that I need to honor God with my time. So, as I will continue to make my to-do lists, I have now started writing a reminder at the top of the paper. It says "am I being a good steward of the time God has given me."