One of the most commonly examined skills that prospective employers look for is time management. It doesn’t matter if you’re interviewing for a new job, applying to college, or completing a freelance project, most people are under the belief that in order to be successful one must manage their time correctly. However, a better skill to be boastful of may be that of self-management. What if I told you that time isn’t always in any individual’s control?

So what is self-management?

Self-management centers on the authority of one’s priorities, choices, and actions within a specific period of time. When we focus on self-management instead of time management we can actually increase our likelihood of success.

It begins with a real shift in perspective. In order to begin effectively managing time you first have to organize and observe your objective. How much time needs set aside in order to achieve the task? Are the necessary resources available? Finally, is the objective realistic? If the answers to those questions are first established and given the green light then proceeding anyway will inevitably lead to failure and the idea that the person in charge lacks time management.

Too often people work inside of unrealistic expectations and then miss deadlines, provide lower quality work, and ultimately sacrifice too much of their personal lives. However, real success is being able to have open, honest conversations and adapt goals when necessary. Identify your strengths and play to them. Look at an obstacle or challenge and give yourself the time to find the tools that you need to overcome, whether that means finding the appropriate people to help you or designing a new path to get where you want to go.

We can’t manipulate time, but we can understand ourselves better and in doing so improve our place in the world around us.

For instance, if you’re bored with a task that you’re expected to perform- or worse, if you absolutely loathe the expectation set on you, then it’s likely going to take a longer time than a more difficult task that you’re passionate about. These are the moments when simple mistakes are made and a cycle of frustration begins. Instead, choose to identify what is motivating. When we feel engaged our minds are better equipped to focus, think creatively, and work hard.

Stop and think about a major accomplishment in your life. It probably wasn’t the actual management of time that led you there. It was your mindset! When we utilize our creativity, take a bit of pressure off ourselves, and figure out the most important things we’re able to navigate life with the tenacity it takes to be successful. In the battle of self-management versus time management, the management of self matters the most.

Originally published on Miriam Mades website.