Time Management is a misleading description of a common problem. The solution to a shortage of time is the ability and the willingness to manage yourself better.
Unless you acknowledge that you are fully responsible for your own actions, you will never achieve what you want within the time available.
We have time for anything, but not everything! It is not time we are short of; it is how we choose to consume it which requires attention.
Time is FREE; it isn't subject to recession, interest rates, inflation or government intervention. You cannot buy it, sell it, or store it. It is the only aspect of human life where we are all truly equal; we each have 24 hours each day, 168 hours a week, and 8760 hours a year. How you choose to use that time is what differentiates the procrastinators from the proficient time managers.
2. Do you start your day early
What does your morning routine consist of? Do
you eat a healthy breakfast and get straight
to work? Or do you waste time on
unimportant tasks?
3. Do you prioritise your tasks
Do you organise your to-do list? When you
begin, do you focus on difficult tasks first to
get them out of the way, or do you tackle
smaller jobs to build momentum? There is no
right or wrong way, just as long as you are
productive.
4. Do you use calendars or daily
planners
Do you plan what needs to be done? Or do
you go through a mad rush at the finish line
and miss any deadlines?
Do you set and respect deadlines
Do you hold yourself accountable for your
deadlines? Do you truly respect and value
your time?
5. Do you limit distractions
Are you constantly interrupted by emails, IMs,
phone calls, or disruptive noises? Do you try
to avoid and eliminate all distractions.
Do you focus on one thing at a time
Are you constantly multi-tasking or do you
focus on one task at a time? The truth is that
multi-tasking often diminishes my quality of
work.
6. Do you take frequent breaks from
difficult tasks
Do you step away from a project to refresh your
mind? Or do you try to work even if your
exhausted? Often you need a mini-break to
regain your energy and creativity.
7. Do you set specific time to check
emails or return phone calls
Do you set boundaries for routine tasks? Do
you limit disruptions by setting appropriate
times for communication with others?
8. Do you use a timer and set time limits
Do you often lose track of time? If
so, perhaps a timer will help you
stay on track and avoid
procrastination.
9. Do you set reasonable goals
Do you break down tasks into manageable
chunks? Or do you try to tackle the impossible?
Do you outsource or delegate tasks to
others when possible
Do you dread certain tasks? Who can you ask
for help to get things done?
10. Do you use your commuting time
Do you sleep on the journey to work? Or do you
use the time wisely to catch up on your emails,
reading, or work?
11. Do you use automation to save time
Are there ways to automate repetitive tasks?
Can you use templates or web-based tools to
help you get things done faster? If you’re
unsure how, perhaps you can ask colleagues or
friends for ideas.
12. Do you organise your desk and
computer files
Is your desk clear of paper piles and your
computer optimised to find what you need? Or
does clutter surround you making it difficult to
get things done?
13. Do you reward yourself for a job
well done
Do you offer yourself an incentive for a job well
done? Do you work faster and harder when you
have something to look forward to?
Are you decisive
Do you make decisions quickly? Or do you
waste too much time weighing the pros and
cons?
14. Do you choose not to micromanage
Do you lead by example and give people the
space they need to get things done? Or are you
constantly pressuring yourself and others?
Are you able to say no
Do you take on more than you should? Or are
you assertive and say no from time to time?
15. Do you take advantage of your
Prime Time
When motivated, do you take immediate
action? Or do you let that energy fade as you
get distracted by the details?
16. Do you only allow positive
thoughts into your mind
Do you have encouraging thoughts in your
mind that help you to focus on getting things
done? Or do you get frustrated and
discouraged when a challenge springs up?
17. Thank You for Watching
If you have been able to
tick every item well
done, if not you may like
to visit
www.thetimedoctor.co.uk
And download
‘The Time Doctors’
latest free booklet