Time management is a skill that many of us seem to learn
through necessity. Taking the time to
read up on improving your time management skills can lead to great rewards.
Some examples are:
·
The elimination of
procrastination and avoidance-of-tasks
·
Easier, quicker,
evaluation of your work and abilities
·
Less worrying about
deadlines
·
More productivity
·
More relaxation time,
and,
·
The obvious one) An
overall increase in time
Time management
is a skill that takes time to development and perfect. It also is a skill that
is different for everyone.
01. Make Lists
01. Make Lists
Write as much
down as you can. If you don’t carry a planner or notebook already, start.
Personally, I've always preferred a small, simple, white-lined notebook because
you aren't restricted by the various boxes and lines of the average planner. You’re
goal is to avoid a list that reaches outrageous length and is overwhelming to
even look at.
02. Make Use of Down Time
Using
walking, driving, showering, or otherwise “dead” times to plan. Which goals are
most important? Prioritization is the key.
03. Reward Yourself
Whenever
you accomplish something, especially the important things, make sure to take
the time to reward yourself. A Clockwork Orange author Anthony Burgess’ used
the “Martini Method”
to get things done. Burgess set a goal of 1,000 words per day. Maybe a martini isn't the ideal reward for some of us, but the method stands useful.
04. Concentrate on One Thing
The human
mind works more efficiently when it is focused. Take care not to bleed tasks
into each other. At times, multitasking may seem like a more efficient route,
but it is probably not.
05. Avoid Procrastination at All
Costs
When trying to be more productive and trying to save time, procrastination
should be avoided like nothing else. It is the ultimate productivity-killer.
06. Set Personal Deadlines
Nobody
likes deadlines. They cause stress, aggravation, worry, and, more stress. Challenge
yourself and, referring to tip 3, reward yourself for a meeting a difficult
challenge. Not only will this save you time and make you more productive in the
long run, but you will also have a buffer time with little to no penalties
compared to those received for missing a real deadline. To avoid this
unnecessary stress, do not feel bad about delegating tasks.
07. Set up a Long Term Planner
In the
everyday drab of life, we can often lose sight of our goals. Setting up a long
term planner will help you envision your long term goals and rationalize your
current objectives.
This is a
lightweight app that records and graphs how you spend your timeon your computer. Those “2-minute” breaks to check
out Digg, or play a flash game on some website, or email Aunt Betty, can add up
to quite a bit of wasted productivity and wasted time.
09. Work in a Team
This tip
works hand-in-hand with tip # 6. Although giving up responsibilities is a scary
thought for some, it is an invaluable method to increase the average team
productivity of all involved. A clogged or blocked line will have the opposite
effect on productivity.
10. Be Careful to Avoid Burnout
Burnout
occurs when your body and mind can no longer keep up with the tasks you demand
of them. Delegate time for important tasks, but always be sure to leave time
for relaxation and reflection. Review and reflection is one of the best ways to
gain confidence and higher confidence means more productivity.
An individual
skilled in time-management stands to gain much more from everyday life than the
next guy. Try employing these tips in your everyday life and watch the
productivity grow.
Article Source: dumblittleman.com
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