Does your day get away from you and you can't figure out where the time went nor can you figure out why you did not get anything done? Does this happen day in and day out? Is this affecting your life at work or are there other areas being impacting with your inability to manage time? Are you late to appointments? Do you forget what you were supposed to do each day? Do you spend time trying to find things?
If you are answering yes to the above questions, it might be time to figure out what you can do to become a better manager of your time. There are eight easy steps you can use to take control of your time.
How To Time Management
1. Acknowledge that you have a problem
This is true for any behavior you want to change - acknowledging that a problem exists is the first step to changing behaviors. Many people use the excuse for lateness as, "I tried to get here on time, but..." followed by some excuse or story.
2. Deciding to Change is Important
Once you have acknowledged managing your time is an issue, the next step is deciding and wanting to change. This is a critical step. At many levels you know when something is working and you know when something is not working. Begin to set small, measurable goals about being on time. Example goals might be arriving at work on time for a week, then a month, etc. Or a sample goal might be to arrive at all of your scheduled appointments on time for a week, month, etc. Take baby steps.
3. Commit to Your Goals
It is not enough to create goals, it is just as important to commit and stick to the goals you create. Everyone knows it takes a minimum of 21 days to break a habit. Because you are making a commitment to break this habit, it will be important to stick to the goals for a minimum of 21 days and more.
4. Write a Daily List of Tasks
This is probably the easiest and simplest ways to manage time. Creating a to-do list that shows you what you are committed to that day gives you a visual of your day. Either put your list in the order of importance or after the list is created, write next to each task an "A" or "B" or "C" to signify the level of importance. Always tackle "A's" first.
5. Find and Use Good Tools for Time Management
There are so many great time management tools on the market - from simple to complex. The key is to find the tools that work well for you and that you will keep using. If you are not comfortable with an electronic device, use a simple planner book. Don't use a specific tool because someone else uses the tool - it might not match your personality.
6. No is an Answer
People get in the habit of telling everyone who asks us to do something, or take on another project - yes. Every time you say "yes" to someone that takes away time from your day and your life that you do not get back. Learning to say no will be critical in capturing the time you need to create the life you want. Learn to ask for help, delegate, and don't over-commit.
7. Getting Organized
Being organized is a key to managing time. When you are disorganized, time is wasted on finding things such as keys, glasses, misplaced documents, books, messages, etc. Being disorganized is a killer. Begin to create routines for putting things where they belong - have a place in your home where you put your keys every time, a place at work where documents are filed or stored, etc.
8. Think about Hiring a Professional
If the task of managing your time feels overwhelming and you can't get yourself started, you might consider hiring a professional to help you get through the initial challenges. You might also look to hire a professional to clean you house, or to do other tasks that don't make sense for you to be doing.
Time management is a learned skill. We all have the same 168 hours per week and the more effective we are in managing these hours, the more successful and productive our lives will be. Success in one area of your life breeds success in other areas of your life.
8 Steps to Improving Time Management Skills
Sonja Fullwood, author, life, health, and prosperity coach. Sonja brings a life-time of experience, knowledge, and accomplishments to her coaching business. Sonja is direct in her approach to coaching and holds people accountable for their actions and supports the greatness and potential in everyone. Visit my site at http://sonjafullwood.com.
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