Yesterday’s Conscious Quote spoke about the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day; choose your actions wisely. Much like our earlier post, “Tick & Flow”, Parthasarathy speaks of time as mutable in nature.

And it is.

To help balance my own work day, I do things outside the office to help me stay fully present in my work day. I run, practice yoga, and have at least 5 books going at any given time. At first glance, it may seem ridiculous that someone could do all of this on top of a busy, demanding job in one week day.

But hey, it all gets done.

And, while I find these tasks enjoyable, they also take focus, time and energy.

A good friend (and also yoga teacher) gave me a book called “Governing Business & Relationships,” by A. Parthasarathy. A scholar of Eastern Philosophy, Parthasarathy says that when we complain about “time management,” the actual issue is work- and self-management, and that should be the priority.

“Time Management = Work management = Self Management”

I find it quite easy (and rather satisfying) to complain about a bevy of external vagaries that somehow “got in the way” of the work I was supposed to be doing (hello, procrastination). But rather than focusing on the outside environment, the real work is about inner discipline.

This is what is meant as “self-management.”

So, if things keep getting in the way or your work, perhaps it’s time for a “software update.” This updated programming will have a few layers that help build a solid foundation for effective action. I like to use a model concocted by one of my favorite TED speakers, Simon Sinek. Sinek says to “start with why.”

In other words, think of your work projects and/or career in this order:

1. Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s the motive, the mission?

2. What is it that you actually need to do? What do you want to do?

3. How will you take action? What’s the game plan?

Basic questions, big results. Ask yourself these in any situation where you find yourself stuck, and observe what comes up. You might be happily surprised at the effect on your work day and life!

More on this subject (“Why?”) coming up – stay tuned.

Namaste, @cjpatryck