Suze Bragg

Are You Managing Your Time Properly?
March 20, 2007

Managing time wisely is an art form. When I googled it, I received over 8,340,000 results for tips on managing my time more efficiently. With a finite number of hours to accomplish our tasks, getting the most done while still being able to enjoy the day helps define happiness. After researching, I made a list of 5 steps that worked for me.

1. Figure out where you your time goes. Fill out this quick tool to see where you spend your time. I discovered that, if I did all the things I should, I would have 4 hours or less of sleep a night. Also, try taking this stress test.
2. Create to do lists and organize it realistically. Write everything down in one list, then subdivide into projects to get an accurate assessment of the tasks at hand.
3. Figure out if you are procrastinating and why.
   1. Waiting for the “right” mood or the “right” time to tackle the important task at hand;
   2. A fear of failure or success;
   3. Underdeveloped decision making skills and poor organizational skills;
   4. Perfectionism ("I don't have the right skills or resources to do this perfectly now, so I won't do it at all.")
4. Create a realistic schedule by prioritizing your projects.
   1. Identify the time you have available.
   2. Block in the essential tasks you must carry out to succeed in your job.
   3. Schedule in high priority urgent tasks and vital "house-keeping" activities.
   4. Block in appropriate contingency time to handle unpredictable interruptions.
   5. In the time that remains, schedule the activities that address your priorities and personal goals.
   6. Management by crisis - responding to crises instead of planning for them.
5. Learn to say NO.

Posted by Suze Bragg on March 20, 2007 | Comments (0)