How to practise Effective self-management: Put first things first

Introduction

Self-management is the third Habit in the book: 7 habits of highly effective people (7HHEP).👈 Affiliate link.

I am presently reading this book to develop my leadership and managerial skills. These are not taught in medical school.

The first habit of highly effective people is ‘Proactivity’. The second habit is ‘Begin with the end in mind’. If you missed my blog on the first 2 habits, you can read them here and here. That way, you will get a good foundation on 7HHEP.

Quick links

• Self-management
• Discipline in self-management
• Integrity in self-management
• Generations of time management
• Take home message
• Next blog post

Self-management

To recap and as I mentioned in my last blog, Leadership is doing the right thing, Management is doing things right.

However, when it comes to Self:

• Self Leadership is deciding what are the ‘First things’ in your life
• Self-Management put these ‘first things’….. first, day by day, moment by moment.

Self-management is the DISCIPLINE of carrying out first things …. first!

Discipline in self-management

1. Comes from Within
2. It is an independent will
3. It reflects your deep values
4. Gives you the integrity to subdue your feelings, impulses and moods to reflect your values

Independent will in self-management

• Is the ability to make decisions and choices
• to act in accordance with them
• the ability to act rather than to be acted upon

Integrity in self-management

• is the value we place on ourselves
• the ability to make and keep commitments to ourselves
• the ability to ‘walk our talk’.

Generations of time management

Self management is deeply entwined with time management. However, time management has evolved with each generation.

1. First-generation: notes and checklist
2. Second-generation: calendars and appointment books
3. Third-generation: prioritization, clarifying values, setting goals, daily planning.
4. Fourth-generation: focuses on preserving/enhancing relationships and accomplishing results. It recognizes the deception of time management. The challenge is not to manage time but to manage ourselves.

I use all four generations of time management to manage my day to day activities, be it at home or work. It just depends on what I am trying to manage or the amount of work I have pending.

Take home message:

Self-leadership and self-management is essential for proactivity

Next blog post:

How To Practise Effective Self-Management: Time management matrix