It has been said that time is our most precious commodity and that time, not money, is the "currency" of the twenty-first century. There is no single best way to use time effectively. Through trial and error, one must devise his/her specific strategy. Over the years, I have developed the following chronological order for arranging my day:
1) return phone messages; 2) read e-mail; 3) read U.S. mail; 4) deal with problems that need fixing; 5) read complex material; 6) save easy reading for later in the day; 7) return late-day phone calls and e-mail messages. None of the preceding provides for student advising, conferences, meeting with colleagues and clients, and a myriad of other activities that accompany any professional position in today's society. I try to prioritize these activities as follows: 1) essential to my position and career; 2) not essential, but interesting and useful in enhancing my career; 3) serves little, if any, useful purpose;
4) avoid at all cost. Becoming over-involved in committee work can be especially devastating to one's effective use of time. Life cannot be fulfilled by work alone. A healthy lifestyle that includes some physical activity will enable you to be more effective throughout your career. Time for family and friends are also necessary ingredients for a balanced life and career. William Danforth, one of the icons of twentieth-century American agribusiness, held to a "4-square" philosophy of living that called for mental, physical, social and spiritual balance. I believe this philosophy will still fit today's workplace.