One of the surprising results of the survey those who sell commercial time management systems are all starting to sound alike, and make things seem too easy.
Only 24% disagreed with the statement “most commercial time management systems are essentially saying the same things.”
This made me think that there is some convergence happening between the different systems that are sold, whether it be online, in books or in seminars. Users apparently come to the learning experience expecting to hear the same old thing they have heard before.
Perhaps this is the natural result of the same ideas being shared back and forth. As far as I can tell, there has been no breakthrough research in this area, for reasons I have written about before.
The other interesting finding is that some 46% said “No” to the question of whether or not teachers of time management tips, lessons and techniques give an accurate picture of how easy/hard implementation will be? Only 19% agreed.
This one is understandable, I think.
When someone is trying to sell a particular time management system, the idea is to promise the maximum results possible based on a small investment of time, energy and money. It’s easy to overstate the benefit and understate the cost.
The fact is, changing habits is difficult, slow work. However, I don’t think there are too many people who are interested in that approach if they have a choice. They’d rather purchase some Air Jordans in order to instantly “be like Mike,” rather than spend the hours in the gym that is required.
To me, this explains the fascination with “time management tips.” It rests on a hope that big improvements will somehow come from implementing one or two easy, effortless tips.
At the same time, only a small number had the experience of being excited about a time management technique they had learned (9%.) This makes me think that most people are interested in being more productive, but simply ineffective at making the transition.
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