Managing time isn’t just about logic—it’s also influenced by emotions. The way we approach time management can be broken down into three levels of thinking:
- One-Dimensional Thinking: Efficiency – This is the most basic approach, where the goal is simply to complete tasks faster. It focuses on checking off items on a to-do list as quickly as possible.
- Two-Dimensional Thinking: Prioritization – This method helps manage workload by ranking tasks based on importance (how much it matters) and urgency (how soon it matters). Prioritization helps you focus on what truly needs immediate attention.
- Three-Dimensional Thinking: Significance – This is the most powerful way to manage time. It considers not just urgency and importance, but also significance—how long something will matter in the future. Instead of just handling what’s urgent today, you invest in actions that will save you time and effort in the long run.
By adopting three-dimensional thinking, you don’t just manage time—you multiply it. This means giving yourself permission to spend time on things today that will create more time for you in the future, such as building systems, automating tasks, or improving long-term skills.