PART 3 in the SERIES “Open and Closed Hand Time ‘Management’ (part 2 - here)
We have activities in our life that are ‘open hand’ and negotiable, we also have ‘closed hand’ and non-negotiable activities. In the last post I suggested that we make decisions based on our values – nothing else. The question we now face is:
“What values go in which hand?”
In other words, what activities in my life should be negotiable and which should be non-negotiable?
Halo
Not all activities are straight from the underpants of satan. There are some things that our wives HATE that are still basically GOOD. The reason she probably hates them is that they should probably be in the non-negotiable hand.
For example, there is nothing BAD about playing Halo. However, if we are putting playing HALO above other higher value activities (like having a conversation with our wives) then Halo IS a bad thing. If Halo has become a closed hand activity rather than an open hand acitivity then there needs to be some adjustment.
For long lasting change to occur we need to identify what we value most and ask ourselves the question whether or not it is a value that is not only serving ourselves but others around us.
Let’s say we love to hang out with people.
- What’s the probable value being displayed? Maybe it is we value relationship
- Great value to have! If however, that value is drawing us AWAY from our loved ones then it can be a great value being played out in an inappropriate way. If our relationship value is being fulfilled by us going out drinking with our buddies every night… well… see what I mean? It’s drawing us AWAY from our loved ones.
We have a responsiblity to identify our values by asking ourselves the question “Why do spend so much of my time doing….”(fill in the blank).
- Then examine ourselves – is it a good, bad or down right ugly value?
- Is it drawing us to aor away from our loved ones?
- If it is drawing us away… keep it in the open hand and do it in moderation (or cut it completely).
- If it is drawing us towards our loved ones – great! Keep it in the closed hand!
This kind of time management is the most effective for me. It keeps me on the straight and narrow… for now!
