We live in a world where more is expected of us every day.
First there were fax machines, now email and cell phones. Our number of communications daily from various sources is extreme.
How can we get to all of it in a timely fashion and still get 8 hours of sleep?
Here are three time reducing strategies that are easy to implement:
1. Schedule. Like it or not in today's world if you want to achieve greater levels of success you must learn to use a schedule. You can use a Palm Pilot, a journal or a Daytimer. I use the Franklin-Covey Planning software for windows. It pops up when I turn on my computer and it is compatible with my Palm Pilot so that I can sync at night when I leave my office.
Now, having a schedule isn't half as important as using a schedule. It doesn't work if you don't use it? everyday.
I keep track of appointments, make a To Do list and then as I work on projects I enter them in so that I can make a journal of my day. Later, this will help me remember how much time I spent on tasks for billing purposes. I schedule in exercise time and I schedule in personal development time for reading and writing.
Once you get started, you'll find it easier and easier to use. The amount of time saved by spending the time to keep your schedule can be enormous. It helps to eliminate the clutter we create on our desks and in our minds when trying to remember all the things we need to do.
It can also help to eliminate unnecessary tasks. Many times we say 'yes' when something is not really in alignment with our goals. The act of making time for it and getting on the schedule will cause you to evaluate its importance. This can be a tremendous time saver.
2. Systems. Systems are a key component in time management. I have a system for everything! Systems do not have to be complicated but they help to keep you on track and save time. For instance, I use a 'system' for my after-work time. When I leave the office my evening everyday is pre-planned. I drive home, I change, I make dinner, I watch one hour of TV, I work two hours, and I go to bed? A system.
I follow the same system every single day. It removes wasted time trying to decide what I'm going to do with my time. Setting up systems for checking email or taking calls can be a real time saver. If you have tasks that you do regularly, think about ways to systemize them. Sometimes setting up forms or check lists, creating schedules or flow charts, delegating, just about anything can be turned into a time saving system.
3. Lists. Keep lists. You can keep the lists in your schedule but you need to get into the habit of making a list for tasks and systems. Checklists save time because you don't have to think about what comes next. The amount of time I save by using a calculator instead of figuring in my head is enormous?. Using lists is very much the same.
By removing the "think" time you streamline processes and save brain energy for more important things. I have a grocery list prepared in Excel, I print it off before I head to the store and buy only what I need. No time wasted wandering the aisles.
I have a checklist for updating my weblog and writing my newsletter. I have templates for the newsletter and I have time scheduled to do both.
Many times a little time spent upfront can be a huge savings later. When I find myself doing a task that I've done before and feel like its taking too long, I sit down systemize and make a checklist and suddenly I've found 15 or 20 minutes.
? Yolanda A. Facio for Strategy-3.com All Rights Reserved
Tired of watching others succeed? Discover how to achieve a more prosperous life. Yolanda A. Facio is the author of an incredible new ebook that guarantees you a more successful and productive life. Click Here Now => http://www.newrulesforsuccess.com
More success tips can be found at http://www.newrulesforsuccess.com
bmw rental chicago Bath .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareTime management is absolute crucial nowadays where business decisions have... Read More
Whenever I've worked on 'de-cluttering' my living or working space,... Read More
Many of the world's most driven and successful people sleep... Read More
Many folks tell me that they just don't have time... Read More
"At my back I always hear time's winged chariot hurrying... Read More
Time is our greatest and most precious asset. Time is... Read More
Do your dishes really need to be dried, or could... Read More
Many organisations view time management training as something they'll spend... Read More
Still awaiting the birth of my baby (I am overdue),... Read More
"If you control your time, you control your life" -... Read More
Last week I had the privilege of spending some quality... Read More
Handle small emergencies fast: When a small emergency does pop... Read More
Nowhere is the line drawn more clearly between 'Industrial brains'... Read More
Do you manage your time or does your time manage... Read More
Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number... Read More
Many people want to be coached to manage their time... Read More
Most people want to start a home-based business to make... Read More
"I never seem to have any time for myself. What... Read More
Does it seem like there is never enough time in... Read More
This past Friday I was asked to speak with a... Read More
When do you want to make time for a networking... Read More
You can use the Power of 90 Seconds to transform... Read More
In this world there is something more precious than gold.... Read More
OK...let's assume that you're truly motivated to change. Great. But... Read More
Fitting an education into a busy lifestyleMany people have aspirations... Read More
limousine service Ava ..Despite the best of intentions, most of us don't use... Read More
What are the most important things you should accomplish today?... Read More
Handle small emergencies fast: When a small emergency does pop... Read More
To work smarter all you need is the consciousness of... Read More
Last week I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More
Time management is absolute crucial nowadays where business decisions have... Read More
Does choosing which time we do an activity really make... Read More
"Because there will always be something more to do, we... Read More
Clarity brings accomplishmentOne of the most important things you can... Read More
Many people want to be coached to manage their time... Read More
Time, time, time. It seems there is never enough of... Read More
Whatever providence has in store for us tomorrow is not... Read More
There are two types of time killers in everyone's life.... Read More
Isn't it amazing that some people can produce huge results... Read More
Zak is my three-year old godson. He is the apple... Read More
Whenever I've worked on 'de-cluttering' my living or working space,... Read More
All requests are not equal; all customers or clients are... Read More
Last week I had the privilege of spending some quality... Read More
Do you feel guilty about all the publications you purchase... Read More
It's always a challenge finding time to clean my house.... Read More
Sounds too good to be true?It really isn't!In fact, studies... Read More
There is no such thing as time management. You cannot... Read More
Any habit of mind or body that interferes with taking... Read More
Friends, colleagues, and clients are all telling me that one... Read More
How do you eat two elephants? The same way you... Read More
Time Management |