Discover your Strengths in Managing Your Time
Master Your Time: Essential Lessons in Priority Management and Organizational Excellence from a 35-Year Career
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that everything cannot be a priority. Throughout my career, there have been times when I have had multiple clinical studies, projects, meetings, and responsibilities competing for my attention. I learned that I have to step back, determine what is truly urgent and important, and then focus my energy accordingly.
- Trying to treat everything as a top priority can actually make it more difficult to accomplish anything effectively.
The importance of planning ahead cannot be emphasized enough. Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the day—or even the day before—to look at what needs to be accomplished helps me start the day with a plan rather than simply reacting to whatever comes my way. I like to know what absolutely has to get done, what I would like to accomplish, and what can wait if the day becomes unexpectedly busy.
Another important lesson is to leave room for the unexpected. In the pharmaceutical and clinical research environment, priorities can change quickly. A meeting may be added, an urgent request may come from a study team, or something may require immediate attention. A good time-management plan needs to be flexible. Being organized does not mean that everything will go exactly according to plan; it means that you have a system that allows you to adjust when things change.
- Being able to protect your most precious asset—your productive time—is crucial.
When I know I have an important task that requires concentration, I try to block time on my calendar and minimize interruptions. This has become increasingly important as our work environments have become more dependent on virtual meetings, email, instant messaging, and other digital communications. Being constantly available does not necessarily mean being productive.
Another key skill to master is that being organized reduces stress. When I write things down, keep track of my responsibilities, and have a clear system for following up, I do not have to rely on memory alone. Having a trusted organizational system gives me confidence that important tasks will not be forgotten.
Another beneficial goal is the importance of finishing what I can rather than constantly carrying tasks forward. There will always be more work to do, but completing important tasks gives me a sense of accomplishment and keeps my workload from becoming overwhelming. At the same time, I have learned not to feel guilty when something legitimately needs to roll over to the next day.
- Good time management is not about completing everything; it is about completing the right things.
Technology has also taught me to keep learning and adapting. Over my 35-year career, the tools I use to manage my time have changed dramatically. I have gone from more traditional ways of organizing information to using Outlook, digital calendars, OneNote, electronic task lists, and now AI-powered tools. I have learned that embracing new technology, such as AI, can save time and improve organization, but the tool itself is not the answer. The important thing is learning how to use the technology effectively to your advantage in your role.
Finally, I have learned that time management is ultimately about making choices. We all have the same number of hours in a day, but how we choose to use those hours makes a difference. Throughout my career, I have tried to focus my time on the responsibilities, people, and priorities that matter most.
After 35 years, and looking back on my career choices, being organized does not mean having a perfectly controlled day. It means having a system that helps me stay focused, adjust when circumstances change, and make sure that the things that truly matter get my time and attention.
The tools may change, the technology may change, and our responsibilities may change—but the ability to prioritize, plan, adapt, and take control of our time remains essential.
One key resource I found and applied in my career was identifying my individual strengths through CliftonStrengths.
CliftonStrengths Explains How You Are Uniquely Powerful
Invented by Don Clifton, the CliftonStrengths assessment uncovers your unique rank order of 34 CliftonStrengths themes.
If you are interested in knowing your specific strengths and how to apply them in your role, go to the link below to complete the assessment test, sponsored by Gallup. You can also purchase the book on Amazon, Now, Discover Your Strengths, to learn more. https://a.co/d/06oUton8
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
