| Learn how to create a balance in your time and | | | | thinking, and relating tasks. |
| work by applying the theory of the Four | | | | 3. Air Tasks. The element of Air is associated |
| Elements -- earth, fire, air and water -- to the | | | | with any activity that involves thinking. As such, it |
| way you manage your time. | | | | is often thought of as any non-doing activity. Air |
| Here is a model of time management, that, | | | | is the most elusive of all the elements. Air is |
| although highly original and innovative, is based on | | | | everywhere and nowhere, yet it is impossible to |
| a theory that is several thousand years old. The | | | | grasp and contain. Air tasks include any pure |
| theory is the theory of the Four Elements. | | | | thinking activity, such as goal-setting, planning, |
| According to the Ancient Greeks, all matter in the | | | | decision-taking, problem-solving, creative thinking, |
| universe was comprised of just four elements: | | | | analyzing, and learning. It is also the time we need |
| earth, fire, air and water. These four elements | | | | to spend in our lives for renewal and recuperation. |
| are not just real. They're also symbolic. And they | | | | For many people who see work as constant |
| represent the four key elements of time | | | | activity, the Air element is a reminder of the need |
| management. When you hold these four elements | | | | to switch off. Without Air tasks in your life, work |
| in balance through the tasks you perform, you | | | | becomes a struggle. With them, it becomes |
| bring to your life a rich, varied and harmonious | | | | effortless. |
| pattern. Let's see exactly how. | | | | Spend up to a quarter of your day on Air tasks. |
| 1. Earth Tasks. The Earth element represents the | | | | Do them when you want a break from routine, |
| source from which we obtain our nourishment. It | | | | creative, and relating tasks. |
| is the basis on which everything else is built. It is | | | | 4. Water Tasks. Water is a metaphor for working |
| the rock, the core, the groundwork. Earth tasks | | | | with others. Like water, time with others is a |
| are those tasks in our life that have to be done if | | | | connecting process. Just like our relationships, |
| we are to survive. They include sleeping, eating, | | | | water may be still or turbulent, trickling or rushing, |
| and bodily needs. In an organizational context, | | | | bubbly or calm, shallow or deep, active or passive, |
| they are the routines, systems, and rituals around | | | | destructive or playful. While essential for getting |
| which work is organized. As such, Earth tasks are | | | | things done, time with others can also be one of |
| essential, if sometimes dull. | | | | our biggest time robbers. We can achieve nothing |
| Spend up to a quarter of your day on Earth | | | | without others. But if we are not careful, we can |
| tasks. Do them when you want a break from | | | | achieve nothing because of others. That's why, |
| thinking, creating, and relating tasks. | | | | like water, this aspect of time management is |
| 2. Fire Tasks. The element of Fire represents the | | | | best when controlled and systemized. |
| creative spark in us. When this spark is lit, it can | | | | Spend up to a quarter of your day on Water |
| produce something uniquely special that adds to | | | | tasks. Do them when you want a break from |
| our lives and the lives of others. Fire tasks include | | | | routine, thinking, and creative tasks. |
| any inspirational, dynamic, spontaneous, and | | | | Balancing each day's activities is not simply a |
| productive work, such as developing new ideas, | | | | sensible way to live. It is also healthy, productive |
| working on projects, taking risks, trying out | | | | and enjoyable. To follow an intense period of |
| something new, developing ourselves and | | | | planning (Air work) with a physical task (Earth |
| innovating. While we connect with Earth tasks | | | | work), then to follow that with time on a project |
| through our lower bodies, we connect with Fire | | | | (Fire work), followed by time with colleagues |
| tasks through the heart and belly. Without Fire | | | | (Water work), is to create a rich and whole |
| tasks, your life is repetitive and circular. With Fire | | | | texture to the day that somehow feels right. |
| tasks, you move ahead and fulfil the potential you | | | | That's why the theory of the Four Elements, as |
| were born with. | | | | old as it is, still has so much relevance to our lives |
| Spend up to a quarter of your day on Fire tasks. | | | | today. |
| Do them when you want a break from routine, | | | | © 2005, Eric Garner, ManageTrainLearn. |