Five Steps to Better Time Management
Client calls. Meetings. Sales seminars. Well-baby appointments. How can you manage the ever-increasing details of your business and personal lives? Relax. Once you know how to do it, managing your time can become part of your daily routine.
Focus on goals and priorities. Keep a running list of goals that you refer to each day. Give your tasks priority according to what must be done today and what can be done tomorrow. You can manage interruptions by using voice mail to prioritize your calls and by focusing on completing tasks by the end of each day.
Delegate wherever possible. Find someone whom you can delegate specific tasks to when you need back-up assistance, or to maximize the time you spend on high-payoff activities. Invest the time at the outset to explain the task, the results you expect, and the deadline. You'll soon notice the benefit.
Clear your desk each day. Clearing your desk will give you a sense of accomplishment, and will help prevent an overwhelming feeling the next day.
Make “wasted” time productive time. This may call for an investment in a cellular phone or a laptop computer; however, much of the time you spend, for example, sitting in lobbies, will become more productive as a result. Even driving time can be more productive if you make calls along the way.
Give yourself creative time. With all of the demands on your time, be sure you always reserve at least an hour each day as “creative” time. This is your special time to dream and plan for the future!
