Time management theories
Theories and balance in life

There are a few well-known time management theories.  They can help you figure out a strategy for your time management.    Understanding the theory helps guide you to develop an understanding of your own.  This enables you to create your own time balanced life.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

The hierarchy of needs theory is based on 5 levels of needs.  Filling those needs one after the other improves your self esteem and happiness. You begin with the base needs like food and shelter and work your way up to self-actualization.  Self actualization is fulfilling everything you are capable of.  This theory does not state the amount of time should be spent on any one group of needs.  Instead you are expected to work your way up a pyramid of needs.  You fulfill the bottom needs first then the next level and so on.

By following the ideas laid out by the theory, you can see which needs are already being met in your life.  You can also understand which ones you still have to fulfill. You can then use this knowledge to make up goals to work towards. These goals set the basis for your daily life and let you know where your time should be spent.

For example, assume you already have a job that provides security and the basic needs such as food and shelter.  You then know that most of your time needs to be spent on more complex needs such as social and esteem needs.

This one of the time management theories can help you lay out a great plan.  It can really help towards improving your life.  It helps to provide a balanced view and hopefully a happier life.

I think Maslow's hierarchy of needs is important enough to deserve a dedicated section.  Have a read of this extra on time management theories for more details.

Pickle Jar Theory

This is the second of the time management theories.  The pickle jar theory is a simple and effective time management theory.  It can be used by anyone to create an effective time management schedule.

The theory revolves around the idea of a pickle jar. Imagine you placed three large rocks into it.  You might think that no other rocks could possibly fit into your jar.

Perhaps you then take some small pebbles and put them into the jar.  They fit!  They slip in between the large rocks.

Now you might think that your jar is full.  However you take some sand and sprinkle it into the jar.  You find that it too can fit amongst the large rocks and pebbles.

Lastly you add water to the jar until it was full.  Once more, you find you can fit more in.

The theory goes that your life is much like the jar. You have major priorities that are symbolized by the three large rocks.  Next you have hobbies that are the pebbles.  Then you also have chores and things you must do like the sand.  Finally there are the distractions that force their way into your schedule like the water.

You have many things that have to fit into your life everyday, and if arranged correctly, they can all fit into an organized schedule.

The idea of the pickle jar theory is that your schedule should be simple and arranged around your largest priorities. When you make your daily schedule, you list your main priorities first in large chunks of time. Then fit in everything else.

I like the theory as a concept.  It serves to remind us in a simple way that you need to focus on the big tasks first.  The big tasks should have your priority and attention.  Don't get distracted.

Pareto's Principle

This is the third of the time management theories.

In 1906 a man named Vilfredo Pareto developed a mathematical equation.  This equation describes the gap in wealth between the poor and the rich people in Italy. He discovered the 80/20 principle.  He found that 80 percent of the wealth was owned by 20 percent of the people.

This principle suggests that only 20 percent of the things in your life really matter.  This means that 80 percent of the things in your life don't really matter. This means you should focus on the 20 percent of things that matter.  You shouldn't worry about the other 80 percent.

This is a fairly closed way of thinking compared to other theories.  It doesn't leave much room for extras or emergencies.

However, think practically.  Think through the 20 percent of things that are important in your life.  List them out.  Think about them when creating your task list and strategy based on these time management theories.

For me the important principle that Pareto has captured is our amazing ability to say that everything is valuable, urgent and necessary.  He tells us this isn't true.  There are 20 percent of things that matter.  We need to focus on them.  Understand them and nurture them.  Once we know what the 20 percent is we can make real progress.