Time management tips best increase your productivity when you create clear priorities. Anchor your priorities with values ​​and your day will be infinitely more rewarding!

What makes a value a true value?

For a value to be a real value, it must meet these seven criteria defined by Louis Raths. Sidney Simon, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, credits Raths as “the true father of value clarification.”

1. It must be freely chosen.
2. It must be chosen from other alternatives.
3. It must be chosen after deliberate reflection.
4. It must be appreciated and appreciated.
5. It must be publicly stated.
6. It must be acted repeatedly.
7. It should be consistent with your other values.

Write down your path to clearer values ​​with this simple exercise

One way to clarify your personal values ​​is by using a journal. Sidney Simon calls this a “Journal of values”.

• Over a period of three to six months, record your most important thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
• Process your inputs, identify emerging and consistent patterns, and write them down.
• How do you represent your strongest and clearest values?

Writing even a sentence or two to clear up these issues will strengthen your sense of self and help you make timing decisions that you are most happy with.

There are many questions you can ask yourself to help identify what is most important. Those who present dilemmas provide some of the most valuable lessons. Make a list of dilemmas in which one value directly conflicts with another.

For example: you value limits, do not accept what is not “yours”, but your baby is starving and you have absolutely no money.

• Would you steal infant formula if it meant it could save your child’s life? Ask yourself, what is your most precious asset?
• What consequences are you willing to bear?
• What sacrifices are you willing to make?
• What does this say about who you are and how you choose to live your life?
• Are your values ​​consistent or do you find inherent conflicts that need to be resolved?

Like a camera lens, these questions help you select, focus, and prioritize your values ​​by defining and refining the most important and fundamental aspects of your life.

Taking the time to keep a stock journal and explore dilemmas will yield unexpected rewards. Your sense of self will strengthen along with your confidence. The more respect you give to your values, the more calmly and assertively you can set important limits. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to truly value your time and be inspired to make the best time decisions!

Now ask yourself: How can you start clarifying your values ​​today to find more time?