Time Management Techniques To Improve Productivity
If you’ve ever been to New York, specifically walked the streets of Manhattan, you will immediately notice everyone is rushing around, seemingly clueless as to where they are going. It seems that time management has run out.
Typical of major cities, visitors always ask, “Where is everyone running to?” Actually, the question should be, “Why is everyone in such a hurry?”
It’s all about time. She’s late for lunch; he’s going to miss the train or bus home; we’ll be late for dinner. Managing our time takes planning and . . . goals.
No one ever stops to think about the amount of time wasted worrying about it.
The realization that proper planning is the key to saving time has somehow eluded us. In order to plan properly we need to know what we want to achieve. Goals.
Let’s just discuss a few time management techniques that effectively yield positive results and assume that you have already set your goals and targets.
Preparation
Make a daily list of things to do, appointments to keep, and so on. At least three should be important but not urgent long term projects.
First on the List
Prioritize your list. When making a list of things to do, begin with the most important item first. Then adjust the rest as you complete your list of tasks.
Don’t Procrastinate
Honor your commitments to others and especially to yourself. If you’ve started a home project, but you have to pick up a friend at a certain time; drop what you are doing and go. Be accountable to you, your friends or your boss.
Throw Perfectionism out the Window
If you have an important engagement, wedding or other function to attend; don’t waste so much time over the minor things which will cause you to be late. You know the old saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” And . . . “Don’t major in the minors.” It happens to be true.
Conversely, if you expect company for the holidays, don’t freak out because your kitchen floor isn’t spotless. No one cares but you. Friends are coming to your home to see you, not the floor.
Don’t Be Late
If you have an appointment, give yourself lots of time. Together with traffic delays and phone call interruptions, you’ll still have plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say, “Sorry, I Can’t.”
Perhaps you are working on a project at work, and you must leave on time to pick up your children this particular day.
Your boss asks if you can stay an extra hour. You feel torn about saying no for fear you may upset your boss.
Stop!
You are a hard worker; you’re very efficient, and you’ve always been there when your boss needed you. It’s time to think of what’s important and your previous commitment.
Simply say, “Sorry, I can’t today.” And make it up when your time becomes more available.
Time is important to everyone. It is a basic and important component in how we conduct our business; our lives, and even our free time.
It should not be wasted nor squandered; but used for achieving what’s most important to us. Use it preparing our daily routines; our work tasks, our family responsibilities, and especially for our passions.