Time Management

We only have a limited amount of time each day so it is good to be clear about how we want to use the time. Good time management means setting goals and planning to tackle the most important tasks first - not wasting time on low priority jobs or spending valuable time on things outside our control and which we cannot change.

Some strategies for managing time effectively:

To help you be in control of time rather than allowing time to control you, here are some time management tips:

First assess how you usually use time.
In order to manage time effectively, you need to know how you currently use your time. For a day or two, log all your activities and how long each one takes. Having done this, you can check for any parts of your day that could be managed better.

Plan.
Make time for planning. Ten minutes spent thinking about your day is well worthwhile. Make a list of all the tasks you need to do both trivial and major and cross them off the list when they have been completed. When planning your day allow time for interruptions and unforeseen delays and allow time between projects to catch your breath. Remember to plan time for pleasure, leisure and relaxation as well.

Prioritise the all jobs needing to be tackled.
Without setting priorities as to which job is the most important, it is very easy to rush about like a headless chicken without completing any of them and end up feeling exhausted. Or you may feel that there is so much to do that you become overwhelmed and do not get started on anything. Prioritise all the jobs on your list into four categories:

1. A = Absolutely essential
2. B = Better done today
3. C = Could wait
4. D = Delegate

Then tackle the high priority tasks first. If a job does not have to be done today it is all right to leave it for another more convenient time.

Learn to say No.
A great many people find it difficult to say no to requests and often take on more than they can cope with. Managing your time involves not taking on tasks that you do not have time to do, or setting limits as to when you could do the task. Learn to say "no I do not have the time" or "yes I can help you, but do not have the time until tomorrow". Both these answers help you to be in control of your time.

Do not be a perfectionist.
Looking for perfection in yourself or others only invites disappointment and will increase demands on your time and cause stress for all concerned. Remember that you can make a mistake and that "good enough" is good enough.

Do not put off decisions.
Unresolved problems and unfinished business are a source of tension and use up your energy unnecessarily. If you have time and all the facts you need, tackle the business now.

For a quick way to remember these time management strategies think of:

The 5 Ps of Time Management