15 savvy strategies for managing your time
- Having trouble getting started on a writing project? Read your thoughts into a tape recorder. You'll get unstuck, you'll stop trying to write it "perfectly," and your writing will sound more natural (and you can go back and edit later, of course).
- Try to arrange your breaks at times when you can't work effectively anyway (because of distractions, interruptions, or fatigue).
- Trade or swap tasks with someone else. It's possible more often than we think!
- To spend more time with a friend or family member, take a class together on a topic you both like.
- When possible, try to do tasks when others aren't doing them. If you go to the grocery store at 2 p.m. Saturday, you'll probably wait in line longer than at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
- Use small chunks of time wisely. If you have 15 minutes before lunch, use it to start on a project or task. Since getting started is usually the hardest part, you'll be on your way.
- Try not to leave "loose ends" on your desk at the end of the day. It's easy for small tasks to
expand and take more time than they really deserve. Investing a few extra minutes to wrap
them up before going home can help make sure you start the following day by working on
your priorities.
- The next time you clean the house, record the amount of time it takes for each task.
This will allow you to schedule realistically and to fit smaller cleaning tasks into "down
time."
- When possible, do household chores and tasks when you're in the mood. You'll get
them done faster and with less hassle.
- To get through an unpleasant task as quickly as possible, race yourself. For example,
if writing a report typically takes 60 minutes, see if you can get it done in 45 minutes.
- Don't "giftwrap the garbage." Some things must be done perfectly, but many don't.
Sometimes "good enough" really is good enough!
- Want to stay on track better? Work with a partner.
- Hung up by perfectionism? Do an imperfect job on purpose, then go back and fix it later.
- Track your time for a week or two and see how much time is actually being invested on your priorities.
- Keep a "pending" or "in progress" file to prevent things from falling through the cracks. It can include notes on tasks you delegate or trade; rebates or refunds you're waiting for; calls you're waiting to be returned; answers you're waiting for, etc.
Shari Peace is an international speaker, an author, and the president of Peace Talks, a Dayton, Ohio-based professional speaking firm. Her book, Crank It Out! How to Get More Done - At Work & In Your Life, features time management and productivity tips. Reach her at 1-877-808-8520 or at www.sharipeace.com.
"Once we can decide what is really important and pay the price for it in time and effort, we can accomplish great things."
-- Hyrum Smith
|
Ideas & Inspirations