Time Management — Randy Pausch

Who is Randy Pausch?

Previously a much-loved Computer Science Professor at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh.

He created new educational programs such as the "Building Virtual Worlds" course, the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) program, and the programming software, Alice.

Learn more about his life here:

What was he known for?

He was known for his "Last Lecture" on life after reaching late stage pancreatic cancer. This last lecture then went from being just for his students to then being watched by millions on YouTube.

Pausch used his "last lecture" as an opportunity to leave a legacy for his children. He spoke on September 18, 2007 to 400 people on the subject of "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."

Learn more here:

• Randy Pausch's Inspirational Last Lecture in HD
• pabook.libraries.psu.edu — Randy Pausch biography
• franklincovey.com — Habit 3

5 points that I liked:

1. Redefining time as a commodity: This redefinition lends time its value and changes the way time-management is approached. Just like we balance money and expect returns on investment or spending, we should manage or "balance" our time so that we maximise the value we receive from it. The word commodity also foregrounds how limited time is very well - it is not something that I should waste!

2. "I'm very big on specific techniques. I'm not really big on platitudes."

   Although related to the way he is speaking, I think it succinctly describes the philosophy one should follow with time management: doing little of what matters rather than a lot of what isn't meaningful or applicable.
3. The "Time Famine analogy" - Systemic changes in the way I manage my time are longer-lasting then the occasional "air-lift" i.e. bursts of work done with the pressure of a deadline or when I get some motivation.

4. "Being successful does not make you manage your time well. Managing your time well makes you successful."

   He addresses that it is not the result that should be chased but rather in perfecting and focusing on the process, the result is achieved.

5. "you're gonna have to run with people who are faster than you, you have to find the right ways to optimize what skills you do have."

   A good principle to consider when in competitive institutions and workplaces: there will always be someone smarter than you. The important thing is to not do the most but rather to do what you do best the most efficient way.
6. The 80/20 rule - a very small number of things in your life or on your to-do list are gonna contribute the vast majority of the value. Learning what brings you the most value and what doesn't is and prioritising is just as important as making time for everything to be done.

Next: Week 2 — Programming Languages →