Time Management - Be Its Master, Not Its Slave

But before I talk about time management, I must tell you that I do get a lot accomplished, and that is where my fault may lie. I need to do less. I can be a bit of a Martha Stewart in that, I want to take on everything, do it all homemade, and do it perfectly. So, if I was having a dinner party, I used to make everything from scratch. But, I have learned to mellow out over the years. Doing everything from scratch doesn't mean my guests will enjoy it more; they enjoyed our time together more when I was relaxed and happy.

Time management is like housework, no one keeps it perfectly all of the time. Life changes and messes it up day by day. So don't feel bad if you find you need to improve in time management, you are not alone! My husband Ken wants to see me work less, and I am working very hard towards that goal. That is my long-term goal, so to reach it, I have to work a little harder now, but that brings me to the first part of time management:

1. Set Goals

Your goals should start first of all for the day, plan your day and the activities you would like to accomplish. Many start with a To Do List. I asked my Facebook Friends how they kept a To Do List.

One method could be to keep a combined To Do list in a notebook with dividers. The third section for larger projects that must be accomplished that month. As tasks come to mind, add them to your list, and cross them off as they are completed (my favorite task).

2. Set Priorities

Personally, this did not work for me. After it was checked off, I reviewed the whole list again. Sometimes time or my mood dictated what was my priority. Again, whatever works for you is what you should do.

I highly recommend this book, he gives 21 great ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time.

Multi-tasking: A Simple Truth - he says, "The ability to concentrate single-mindedly on your most important task, to do it well and to finish it completely, is the key to great success, achievement, respect, status, and happiness in life. You will never be caught up. (I swear he stole that line from me, I have said that many times, work is like trying to bale the ocean.) The first rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first. The second rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat a live frog at all, it doesn't pay to sit and look at it for very long."

More on priorities, you may choose to make exceptions and handle your list according to your preference. Sometimes I just feel better if I can cross off 6 small items on my list, that feeling of accomplishment fuels me to tackle the one ugly frog that is left.

I appreciated what Time Management Consultant Alan Lakein stressed, "One rarely reaches the bottom of a To Do List. It's not completing the list that counts, but making the best use of your time."

3. Distinguish Between Urgent and Important

In order to do this, consider the results that each task will bring. Will finishing the job produce significant benefits? Will it help you materially in your business? Will it make future tasks easier? If not, it may not be a high-priority task.

One professor said, "Important things are seldom urgent and urgent things are seldom important." Can the urgent matter be put off? Can you get it done quickly and move on? Can you delegate the task to someone else?

4. Be Neat And Organized

You may think that being messy seems so much easier and not realize how being neat and organized helps you manage your time better. One thing that is a complete time-waster is disorganization. Your tasks get completely easier and in less time. Try making neatness a habit, keep everything neater, and see if it makes your life easier.

So be realistic with your expectations, your goals, your To Do list. And if you tend to do too much, then write this down on your To Do List:

·                 Take a coffee break

·                 Sit down and rest for 15 minutes

·                 Go for a walk

·                 Stop work at (set a time) and regardless of what is done or not done, shut down for the day and rest

Perhaps you need to write it on your To Do list, and then you will include time for yourself in your management of time.

There are no fixed rules for personal organization of your time, rather, effective time management means selecting the appropriate task for right now. It means discerning what activities yield the best results and spend your time on those as much as possible. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and find what works best for you.

WAYS TO SAVE TIME

1. Have a clear set of values and goals in life. 
2. Work on tasks requiring concentration when you are most alert. 
3. Make phone calls when you are most likely to contact the person. 
4. Delegate work whenever possible. It frees you to accomplish more, and it gives experience to others. 
5. When doing paperwork, try to handle each piece of paper once, rather than giving it a temporary 'parking place.' 
6. At meetings with others, stick to an agenda. Have specific starting and finishing times. 
7. Organize your work area with needed tools close at hand. 
8. Do not feel obligated to accept every social invitation that comes your way. Learn to say no tactfully. 
9. Standardize shopping and packing lists as much as possible rather than writing up new ones repeatedly. 
10. Get sufficient rest and relaxation so that you can work effectively. 
11. Set deadlines. 
12. Do not procrastinate. 
13. Break overwhelming tasks into smaller ones. 
14. Do not be a perfectionist. Concentrate on what is truly important. 
15. Make good use of waiting time. Write a letter, read, or accomplish some other essential task. 
16. Know that there will be occasions when you will need to spend time on activities you would not choose. Do not waste time fretting about it. Instead, work to get it done.

Article Source: EzineArticles