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There are
24 hours in a day, but it often feels like that’s
just not enough time. We find ourselves juggling
our schedules to give enough time to our work, our
family, our friends, and hopefully still find some
down time for ourselves. Some days it seems like
our schedules run our lives. These steps can help
you regain control over your time.
1.
Use a “to-do” list and a calendar.
Minimize the mind clutter by writing things down.
Seeing what is planned for the day enables you to
flow smoothly and efficiently between various tasks
and appointments. Keep these two tools close by so,
when you complete one responsibility, you can move
directly into another.
2.
Prioritize your tasks. Look over your
tasks, obligations and appointments, considering
each of them individually. Rank them in order of
importance and urgency. Be sure to schedule enough
time for just relaxing or doing fun activities if
they are important to you.
3. Give yourself permission to say “no”.
Cross off the activities or tasks that are no longer
necessary or of interest to you. Don’t feel
obligated to continue on if it is no longer
important. Know your limits. Decide how much time
you have to give each week and be willing to decline
a request to sign up to do one more thing. Delegate
items that can be done by someone else.
4. Avoid interruptions and distractions.
When you’re working on a task, turn off your email
notification and let your voicemail take the phone
call. Jot down thoughts/projects as you think of
them and then continue on doing the project that was
already in progress. From time to time, reevaluate
if the task at hand is important and high priority.
5.
Overcome procrastination. Don’t choose
the easy task first and leave the larger or
unpleasant tasks for later. Break down overwhelming
tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Not
motivated, just do a little and you’ll be encouraged
by your progress.
Following
these steps will help you be in charge
of your time.
©October 2009 by Beth Giles
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Telemarketers
and fundraisers are a huge time waster.
Take a moment and visit donotcall.gov to
register your number on the "do not call"
list. This will prevent telemarketers from
using your number. After all, wouldn't you
rather spend that time on the phone with
someone you like to talk to? |
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