Yes-Maybe-No

Time management, money management, and space management are all related--at least for me. I'm making gradual improvements in all three areas by using an approach I call "Yes-Maybe-No." I divide up my possessions, would-be purchases, and activities into three categories, and deal with them appropriately. (I will use would-be purchases in my examples below.)

YES. I really love it or want it. I know from experience that it always brings me pleasure. An example for me is Doctor Who videos. I checked out every Doctor Who video in nearby libraries, and enjoyed every one. So, I've added Doctor Who videos to my YES list, and will start budgeting to purchase them.

MAYBE. Sometimes I've enjoyed it, sometimes it's been a wasted purchase. An example in my life is music CD's. I rarely play most of the CD's I've bought over the years, but there are some I play frequently. Music CD's are a MAYBE for me. Before I buy one, I sample several songs, and sleep on it. I usually postpone music purchases for a long time.

                       

NO. I either don't like it or I don't use it. An example for me is musical instruments. Sure, I'd like to learn to play the clarinet someday, but I know from experience that I wouldn't make time to practice it. I never use the electronic keyboard, drum practice pad, and recorder that I already own.

Try my method: Honestly ask yourself what you really enjoy and use. List every activity, possession, and would-be purchase as a YES, a MAYBE (or LATER), or a NO.

Purchases you consider. Budget for the YES items, postpone the MAYBE purchases until they become YESes, and don't buy the NO items.

Objects you own. Budget time to use the YES items, put the MAYBEs in storage, and get rid of the NOs. Then go through storage, and change many MAYBEs to NOs.

Activities you do or are considering doing. Budget time for the YESes, gradually changing them into habits. As for the NOs, you can delegate tasks, hire other people to do them for you, or just say NO. If the MAYBE isn't important, procrastinate it--otherwise, get lots of advice.

                     

The YES category contains both obligations imposed by others (e.g. tax forms) and pleasures of your own (e.g. good meals). However, not all obligations are YESes. Prioritize. Don't take on too many responsibilities. Make time to read and think--so you can decide what's really important, and what's not.