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