February is not only known for Valentine’s Day, did you know it is also National Time Management Month? TIME…what time? Let’s face it; the reality in today’s world is that we have to do more, better and faster with less time. I find there is never enough in one day. I am always saying, “if I only had 24 more hours in the day I could get so much more done.” The truth is we all have the same amount of time in the day, 1440 minutes or 24 hours. How will you effectively utilize your time?
Try these Top Time Management tips and see if they help you reach your goals.
PRIORITIZE
Take 15 minutes at the beginning of each day and make a list of 5 priorities/tasks you must do. Ask yourself if they are:
High Priority-urgent for goal
Medium Priority-important but routine for goal
Low Priority-ok to do if time permits
MAP IT OUT
This is not the time to be a multitasker. Focus on one task at a time. Group like tasks together. For instance, all phone calls, all errands, all computer work can all be done more efficiently if you are not switching between different types of tasks. Use the 80/20 rule to determine which 20% of activities will yield 80% the results, bringing you closer to your goals.
FOLLOW THROUGH
Don’t get distracted! Stay on task until it is complete. Work on the high priority task that is vital to getting your goal accomplished. Set timers as reminders to stop, start and/or end a task. You will feel an immense sense of relief once the task is completed; and will be happier and more productive.
TRACK YOUR TIME
Apps and products are available to serve as timekeepers:
Rescue Time- www.rescuetime.com
Remember The Milk- www.rememberthemilk.com
Focus Booster- www.focusboosterapp.com
Toggl- www.toggl.com
Time Timer- www.timetimer.com
You can use them to keep track of how much time you spend doing tasks. Go ahead, try one and find out exactly where your time is going. Don’t forget to keep track of the various distractions that take your attention away from your goal.
Why not approach this Valentine’s Day from a different angle? Instead of adding the task of “ordering flowers” or “running out and getting candy” to your To-Do list, Perhaps the best gift we could give ourselves or a loved one this year….is a gift of TIME!
Contact Michele at 301-787-4010 or at [email protected] for a complimentary phone assessment. Tell her Activity Rocket sent you!
SEE RELATED POSTS: The Ultimate Resolution; 65 Gift Giving Ideas; Introducing the Organized Mom; Secrets to Keeping Kids Spaces Organized
