- Use just one planner/calendar whether it be in paper format or electronic. It’s too confusing to use separate calendars for home and office.
- To insure that projects on your to-do list get accomplished, schedule the to-do’s in your planner. For example, if cleaning the garage is on your to-do list this week, write in a day and time to complete this and keep the appointment just as you would keep a Dr. appointment.
- Take control of your time and eliminate distractions. Don’t let the day’s events dictate how you use your time. Have a schedule of what you need and want to do and stick to it. Don’t answer the phone or read emails as soon as they come into your box. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with the people in your life.
- Don’t over-schedule. When you “add” a commitment to your already full schedule, remember to “subtract” a commitment to avoid feeling stressed and over-committed.
- Review your calendar over the weekend for the upcoming week. Plan meals based upon your family’s evening schedule, make phone calls regarding carpools, respond to party invitations, etc.
- It’s not all about work. Make time for a balanced life. Schedule time with friends, family and yourself and KEEP these appointments.
- Schedule according to energy level. For example, if you are at your best in the morning, schedule tasks that take the most energy and concentration. I find that it’s a good use of time to sort and read mail or other mindless tasks at night when I’m too tired to think about more complex things.
- Do you frequently miscalculate how long something will take? Keep a log for a week of your routine activities such as grocery shopping, responding to emails, paying bills, cleaning house, etc. You may be surprised at the real time that you actually spend to complete these tasks.
- Write down-IN ONE LOCATION- your to-do list, your ideas and your “someday isles” (Translate: Someday I’ll......). These are your short and long term goals. Seeing them on paper will allow you to schedule these moving you toward the life of your dreams.
- I can’t go without saying that you must have your surroundings and your belongings organized if you want to make the best use of your time. Time is wasted if you are looking for misplaced items or are distracted by clutter when attempting to complete a task.
Anything to add to the list? I would love to hear how you manage your time and what works for you. Leave your comments below.
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