Mastering Productivity: How to Be More Effective With Your Time Time is a special resource. A lot of people say it is a scarce resource, but most people don't recognize this. The fact that most of us have many years ahead of us, doesn't give the feeling of scarcity now does it? But time is special in a sense that it can not be recaptured once it has passed . If it has passed it is gone, and our unknown remaining supply will only reduce further. So we better make good use of our time and make it as productive as can be. But what is productive time? Productivity is effectiveness and efficiency combined, so let's dive into those aspects. Effective time: doing what you want to be doing Like I say in the first part of the series, effectiveness is first. Knowing what you want to experience in this life and knowing what to do in this life are what defines whether you spend your time effectively. Most of the time management systems mention this a couple of times, but they don't focus on it. But in my perspective this aspect is essential when it comes down to real fulfillment of the way you spend your time. The Eisenhower Matrix takes a step towards identifying the important from the non-important stuff. You define what is important and what is not, based on what is important to you. Knowing what your personal values are, knowing your mission statement or mantra,