The Wellspring: Treasure Mapping
A goal-directed, value-driven prioritization tool
It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and miss out on what truly matters. As Christians, our challenge is navigating our daily tasks efficiently and ensuring that each activity reflects our deepest values and God-given purpose. One effective method to achieve this is through the Treasure Mapping Exercise, a strategic approach to planning your day that harmonizes strategy, values, and time management with our Christian faith.
The Foundation of Treasure Mapping
"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." — Psalm 33:11
Treasure Mapping begins with a purpose: to plan our days so that every task aligns with our personal values and long-term goals, underpinned by our Christian faith. This method is about managing time and stewarding the life God has given us, ensuring that each action contributes to our ultimate calling.
Step 1: Preview
Start each day with prayer and reflection, reviewing all tasks and commitments. Apply the SMART+ criteria to each task, enhancing clarity and alignment with your goals:
Specific: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18). Clearly define what needs to be accomplished and why it is important. Consider what the Bible says about stewardship and diligence in the context of faith.
Measurable: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2) Set clear benchmarks for success.
Aligned: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). Ensure each task reflects your beliefs, values, goals, and God's purpose for your life.
Reachable: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). Keep tasks realistic, acknowledging our human limitations while relying on God's strength.
Timed: Assign a time frame, remembering that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Positive: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8). Place your focus on what you DO want and not what you don’t want, taking care to articulate your goals that way. Additionally, use language that builds up and encourages, mirroring the edifying nature of scripture.
Step 2: Prioritize
Using a modified Eisenhower Matrix, sort tasks into four categories, mindful that our ultimate aim is to glorify God in all we do:
Do (Musts): Urgent and important tasks that require immediate attention, reflecting immediate obedience to God’s prompting.
Do or Delegate (Shoulds): Important but not urgent tasks, remembering that sometimes we can support the body of Christ by delegating tasks to others.
Delegate or Delete (Coulds): Urgent but unimportant tasks; consider delegating to focus on what God has called you to do.
Delete (Don'ts): Tasks that are neither urgent nor important should be removed, as they do not contribute to our spiritual or worldly responsibilities.
Step 3: Plan
Schedule tasks into your day, creating a structure that allows for expected duties and spontaneous acts of kindness, mirroring Jesus's life, which balanced teaching, healing, and personal retreat.
Step 4: Prepare
Prepare your environment for the day’s tasks, gather necessary materials, and set a space conducive to focus and prayer. This preparation is akin to the parable of the wise builder who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock (Luke 6:48).
There’s substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of prioritization and time management exercises. Research indicates that such strategies can lead to better academic performance, reduced stress, and improved overall productivity both for students and professionals.
A meta-analysis in PLOS ONE suggests that time management training can significantly enhance work efficiency and the perceived control of time at work1.
Additionally, specific techniques like goal setting and prioritizing tasks are effective for students, enabling them to allocate their time and energy to activities with the greatest impact on their academic success2.
Studies have also highlighted that effective time management can result in better planning, increased productivity, and a more balanced life, which is crucial for long-term success in both personal and professional realms3.
By incorporating the Treasure Mapping Exercise into your daily routine and making it a habit, you embrace a methodical approach to your tasks that respects the temporal nature of our existence while prioritizing eternal values. As Christians, our time management should reflect our strategic pursuit of God’s kingdom, ensuring that every day is closer to fulfilling the great commission and living out the commandment to love God and our neighbors.
Treasure Mapping is not just about getting things done; it’s about getting the right things done for the right reasons, making every day count for Christ.