One of my biggest problems that I wrestle with is managing my time better. I'm have more than enough to do, but some days, no matter how "busy" I am, it seems I don't get much done. Anyone else have that problem?
OK, so this month I'm implementing a schedule for myself. From this time to this time I will work on such-and-such; from here to here I work on this other thing. I have set times to work on Facebook posts and blog writing, too. While it doesn't take long to do those 2 things, they can get pushed to the back burner, so if I have a set day and time to do them maybe I will.
I know it's only a matter of discipline and I need to be more disciplined. I found some tips for managing time that I plan on using:
Understand how you use each day
Honestly review your day and understand how you are wasting time, then commit to becoming more efficient with your time. It's important to be honest and objective about how you really spend each day.
Set Priorities
Even with a well organized schedule and good work habits, there is still often not enough time in each day for workers, particularly small business owners and managers. So it is essential that we prioritize tasks and categorize them into Urgent, Very Important, Important and Wasting Time categories. Spend the majority of our time on tasks that are important and either delegate low priority jobs or move on to them only after completing the more urgent tasks.
Plan Your Time
By having a clear and precise plan for each day you have a target to aim at which eliminates many of the hours wasted in-between tasks or thinking about what to do next. Along with a daily plan, there should also be longer term goals to work towards. Setting daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals can dramatically increase your focus and productivity.
Review Your Progress
Many work habits have been formed over a lifetime, so we will often slip back into them if we fail to continually review our progress. Some habits will be harder to overcome than others, but the effort we put into overcoming them will be rewarded with added productivity, profitability and a more focused workplace.
Take Time Out
We're only human, so we should also plan for times when we can wind down and do less important tasks. Browse the web, call a friend or have a longer lunch sometimes. It's only when we make a habit of doing these time wasting tasks that they become a problem.
I'll keep you posted on how I do. Wish me luck!
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