Abstract
M.Phil.
The central research problem of this study asks whether principle-based time management can increase quality of life? The second question, which arises, is what the underlying principles of quality of life creating time management would be? These principles were identified by looking at some of the most common time management problems. The principles are being proactive, living according to values, setting goals, acquiring self-knowledge and being motivated by importance rather than urgency.
Quality of life can be defined as living, loving, learning and leaving a legacy. Principles are objective, universal, fundamental, primary truths that cannot be reduced to something more basic. Time management can be characterised as the process by which time is applied effectively to gain a return on the investment thereof in the form enhanced quality of life.
Eight approaches to time management found in literature were fathomed to discover what their contribution to time management, strengths and weaknesses were. It could clearly be seen that utilising any of these methods in isolation would certainly lead to an ultimate decline in quality of life. Thus, a higher level approach to time management had to be found. Two higher level approaches to time management are found in the literature. A new approach to principle-based time management called the Journey approach was synthesised by interweaving current approaches to time management, with quality of life producing principles from a Personal and Professional Leadership perspective. The Journey metaphor was used to arrive at the following steps for a principle-based approach to time management: 1) Set life goals. 2) Gain self-knowledge. 3) Align your perception of reality with universal principles. 4) Set medium term gaols. 5) Make action plans. 6) Act according to the plan.
Finally some guidelines for a course on principle-based time management are given.