The purpose of this academic paper is to investigate not only a person as ‘Homo Chronus’, but also the effective strategy of time management. The method of studying this paper is to deal with reference books and the researcher presented five-step programs so as to train those who find the strategy of effective time management.
The originality of this academic paper is to introduce a new concept regarding the following question: What kind of being is human? A new academic answer to this question is ‘Homo Chronus’ which the researcher made as a new concept and terminology. The concept ‘Homo Chronus’ means that each person can manage time, utilize time and create time as an intellectual being made in the image of God.
The scope of this academic paper consists of not merely explaining the theories concerning time, but also presenting from the first step of the programs to the fifth. The contribution of this academic paper is as follows: First, the researcher dealt deeply with the issue of time. Secondly, Ephesians 5:15-16 in the New Testament are presented in order to emphasize time management. These verses are related to the issue of time. Third, five-step programs are introduced so that many people may utilize for the strategy of effective time management.
We can think of time as a resource. A resource is something that lies ready for use. Also, time is a tool that can be drawn upon to help one carry out results. But time is not like other resources, because one cannot buy it, sell it, rent it, borrow it, lend it, store it, steal it, multiply it, or manufacture it. All people can do with time is to spend it. Time is not only free but also equitable. Everybody receives exactly the same amount of time each day.
For effective time management, Merrill E. Douglass asserted twenty steps to successful time management as follows: First, clarify your objectives. Second, focus on objectives, not on activities. Third, set at least one major objective each day and achieve it. Fourth, record a time log periodically to analyze how you use your time and keep bad time habits out of your life. Fifth, analyze everything you do in terms of your objectives. Sixth, eliminate at least one time waster from your life each week. Seventh, plan your time. Write out a plan for each week. Eighth, make a to-do list every day. Ninth, schedule your time every day to make sure you accomplish the most important things first. Tenth, make sure that the first hour of your workday is productive. Eleventh, set time limits for every task you undertake. Twelfth, take the time to do it right the first time. Thirteenth, eliminate recurring crises from your life. Fourteenth, institute a quiet hour in your day. Fifteenth, develop the habit of finishing what you start. Sixteenth, conquer procrastination. Seventeenth, make better time management a daily habit. Eighteenth, never spend time on less important things when you could be spending it on more important things. Nineteenth, take time for yourself. Twentieth, develop a personal philosophy of time.
If one wants to effectively utilize time, he or she needs to decide the priority of a task, deal with procrastination, and learn to anticipate deadlines.
Laura Vanderkam introduced eight steps for the process of time creation as follows: First, log your time. Second, create your “list of 100 dreams. Third, identify your core competencies. Fourth, start with a blank slate. Fifth, fill in your 168 hours with blocks of core-competency time. Sixth, ignore, minimize, or outsource everything else. Seventh, fill bits of time with bits of joy. Eighth, tune up as necessary.