Managing your time

While there are generic time management tools each one of us experiences unique challenges as we attempt to make the most of our time. Understanding your own time management weaknesses is the first step.

In reality time management is not a stand alone skill. It is intertwined with your overall alignment with your career goals and vision.

“Do you keep jumping from one task to another? do you spend most of your time answering emails or staff issues? do you get the feeling towards the end of the day that you still have not achieved a great deal?”

If you don't mind your time intentionally then make no mistake that you are being managed by others!

It starts with a deep commitment

Connect with your vision. What's like to fully utilize your time? what's possible if you are 100% productive? what impact you will have on your career and business if your time is managed according to business priorities?

How much your time is worth? If your perspective about time is the same perspective about your bank account then you will want to change how you spend your time. Divide your potential monthly income over your monthly working hours. Now when ever there is an interruption ask yourself if they are worth your time!

Take stock of how you spend your time. For a week, observe how you spend your time, who usually interrupts you, how do you feel at the end of the day. By having a temporary time management diary you will start to understand how you habitually spend your time.

To do lists. A simple to do list is all you need to note down what you need to do next. If you simply rely on your ability to remember things your mind might fail you.

Understand your energy pattern. Are you an early bird or a night own? do you feel sleepy after a heavy meal? what kind of events that zap your energy? As you understand your energy pattern better you will schedule actions based on your energy appetite.

Schedule your actions. Use a scheduling tool to log the times for your actions. You can revisit your calendar any time to check out your daily plan.

Prioritization and delegation. Prioritize your actions based on impact and efforts. Learn to delegate to your team so that you focus on what matters the most.

Deal with interruptions and distractions. In today's world social media and our hand held devices can be big sources of distractions let alone phone calls and ad hoc meetings. If you have an open door policy then you will be easily interrupted. Plan how to deal with interruptions and set time for checking your email and mobile phone.

Serious about managing your time? contact us!