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Time Management TechniquesThe definition of time management is different for everyone, and changes whether you're in the workplace or managing a home and family. But there's no doubt about its importance. Time truly is our greatest possession. Effective time management is hard work. It is a conscious effort to set priorities and make good decisions over and over again, every single day. If you wish you had more time, or want to get more out of the time you've got, it will be well worth your time to work through the time management tips below!
Time Management Techniques Part 1 - Your Greatest PossessionAlmost everyone wants more quality time to relax and do things that they enjoy. Or to be productive, to make a difference, or just feel more in control of their lives. I am a very busy person - and that's not a complaint. But being busy doesn't necessarily mean being efficient or effective. To think that, with all I accomplish and all that I am responsible for, I could use some time management skills ... well, it's hard to swallow. But it's true. The subject of time management applies to anyone in every situation. Yet, many people are not interested because they feel they already manage their time well, don't think its possible to find more time, or ... don't have enough time to deal with time management! Ironic, huh?! Tomorrow belongs to those who fully use today I finally made the time for self-improvement in this area with amazing results. So shocked and moved am I at how this endeavor has enhanced my quality of life - and that of my family's - that I feel compelled to share it with you. If you wish to participate, the first step will provide insightful data as to your time management habits. Most people will find that they have at least three hours each day that can be utilized in a more constructive, efficient or pleasurable manner. Here's your first assignment: 1.) Start an Activity Log. Write down everything you do from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed for several days. Write down the time for each entry. If you were interrupted while brushing your teeth, write it down. 2.) In addition, write a one word adjective that describes your mood by each entry. Tired, lazy, content, stressed, hurried, angry, pleased, etc. 3.) Once you've logged your time for several days, you will clearly see where your time is going. And you may see a pattern to your moods. A lot of this can depend on breaks you take, or don't take; what and how much you eat; how much sleep you get; and any crisis or special events happening in your life. Of 'course, your mood even affects how you spend your time! Only you can determine where time is being wasted or what areas in your lifestyle can be improved. But you will surely find more time if you are willing to change your habits. By writing down your mood, you can see how you instinctively react to certain things or tasks.
The greatest possession you have ... Once you've created your time log, the next step in this time management series is called "Your Life Circle". See that article in this section to continue.
By Michelle Johanson The Activity Log helped you understand how valuable your time is and where most of it is going. It should have also confirmed the fact that you can always find more. We often hear the phrase "there's only 24 hours in a day", meaning we can only accomplish so much. That's true. But we have more control over our time then we think. The following activity helps you to realize who you really are - to yourself and others in your life - and what you can do to help you manage your time better. In order to change your habits and basically rearrange your lifestyle, you need a clear picture of the way you're living. Set aside 10 - 20 minutes to complete step one below.
Step One As you think of the different faces you wear each day, print them on lines like spokes radiating from the center of your LIFE. Your drawing should look like a child's version of the sun. What are the most important roles you play in your life? Think about holidays, work days, yesterday, weekends, relationships, hobbies, etc. You can turn the paper around as you write. Now start branching out from your major roles. Name the people, places or things connected with each role, or list activities involved with these roles. If you think of another major role, go ahead and add it to the Life Circle. As you list things, you'll think of more. The point of this step is to capture information and ideas as you think of them without worrying about their level of importance, priority, planning, people-pleasing, strengths or weaknesses.
Step Two Some things are still missing from your Life Circle. Nagging you in the back of your mind are all of those things you've never finished, put off, still plan to pursue ... your wishes and regrets. Make a Wish List using three categories:
As you make your list, don't be concerned about how trivial items might seem. You are the only one who will see your list - and it will feel fantastic to get all this stuff that's been bothering you off your chest!
When you are finished with your Wish List, get your Life Circle out. Using a different color pen or marker for each category on your Wish List, add these items as either spokes (major roles) or branches within major roles to your Life Circle. They all should fit somewhere. If not, add another major role and make it fit. Many people spend a lot of their time doing for others ... perhaps you need to add a major role called "Just for me" or "Personal". Many of your Not Started or Fantasy items might fit there. Now you're really starting to see all the different aspects of your life and who you really are. Pretty interesting, isn't it? To continue this time management series, see the article "Take Care of What Matters Most, First"
By Michelle Johanson Part 3 - Take Care of What Matters Most, First There are a lot of things we spend time on ... that we'd rather not! Some of it is just plain being an adult and embracing our responsibilities. But some of it is within our control to change or completely eliminate. This next step is probably the most personal one of the entire Time Management series.
Step One Take a look at your Wish List and how you transferred it meaningfully to your Life Circle. Label each of those Wish List items as follows. Don't write directly on your Life Circle yet ... write on your Wish List.
Step Two Try not to consider obligation, commitment, morality, or priority. Come to a decision about each neutral item as to whether they are an Upper or a Downer overall. If you can't decide about a certain neutral item, make it an Upper. Update your Wish List, replacing N items with a U or a D. Update your Life Circle by putting a small U or D next to each activity. Now examine your Downers. These may be activities that take up too much of your time or prevent you from doing what you really enjoy. Starting RIGHT NOW, eliminate, cut back, or alter your Downers as much as possible. Ask yourself, "Do I have to do this? Am I doing this for me or for someone else that doesn't necessarily need me to do it? How can I change or do away with this activity?" On a separate piece of paper, jot down your Downers and ideas you have for each to eliminate, cut back, or alter them somehow.
Step Three Pick ONE item that stands out to you - that's calling out for action. It can be a Fantasy ... a long, tucked away dream. It can be an Upper that you'd really like to complete or accomplish. It can be a Downer that you'd really like to see go away - far, far away! On a separate piece of paper, write out a step-by-step plan that will lead you to accomplishing the appropriate action for this item. If it's a vacation, for example, you might need to request maps or other tourist information; check into airfare, lodging and other expenses; or prepare a budget in order to save the funds needed. Once you have chosen your first action item and written down the steps to achieve it ... TAKE ACTION AND DO A FEW OF THE STEPS NOW! You've already set aside the time for this activity ... and taking these action steps is part of this activity. So, there's no excuses! If the item you picked seems overwhelming ... like a dream too big to accomplish or a Downer you can't eliminate, break the item down into smaller pieces. And then pick a piece of the item and write the steps to achieve results. If you think you don't have time to start working on this particular item ... perhaps you should choose a Downer that you can alter or eliminate, or something else that will free up some of your time. The goal is to take care of what matters most to you, first. And that means moving things around a little bit or making them go away entirely. Life's supreme adventure is the adventure of living. Life's greatest achievement is the continual remaking of yourself so that, at last, you DO know how to live. - Winfred Rhoades
By Michelle Johanson Part 4 - Moving Toward Your Fantasy Future Everything you've accomplished so far has helped you realize who you are to yourself and others, how you spend your time, what you like and dislike about how you spend your time, and what to do about spending more time on things you enjoy. You've analyzed your past and present ... but what about the future? Get out a piece of paper and write down what you want to have happen in the next six months. It has to be possible and you need to be specific. Don't set goals or priorities ... just imagine your life in six months time as you wish it to be. If it helps, write it as if it already happened. Ideally, you should seal this little biography of sorts in an envelope, self-address it, and stamp it. Give it to someone you trust and ask them to mail it back to you in six months. If that's not a good option, file it away and make a note on your calendar six months from now to retrieve it. When you read this after six months, you will be amazed at how much progress you've made toward getting your life in order and living it the way you want to. Many of your Wish List items will be achieved and some of your fantasies may have come true, or are coming true. By performing these Time Management activities and writing it all down, you became sensitive, even subconsciously, to what really matters to you and what direction to go in order to make those important items first in your life. Over the months, you've unknowingly made choices that moved you closer to realizing a better future.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm
By Michelle Johanson *NOTE: I read about these Time Management activities in a book years ago. I have written these articles from memory based on my own experiences, but I sure wish I knew who the author of that book was so I could provide proper credit. From Time Management Techniques to Work at Home Business Articles
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