Tips for Time Management As your life gets busier and your responsibilities weigh you

down, you might start to find yourself in a situation where your ability to manage time productively and efficiently is a frustrating struggle. Sometimes 24 hours seems rather meager when you consider all you have to fit into one day, however, there are a few tips you can use to help you achieve successful time management and ultimately your goals.

It is imperative that you learn how to plan properly. Begin by making your objectives clear and then decide what your main priorities are. You can then determine which tasks need to be completed first in order of importance.

Begin your day by making a list of the things you need to accomplish so that you are better able to organize a suitable schedule. Since you have a limited amount of time, try not to commit yourself to more than you are able to handle. Always complete your most important tasks first and leave the less important ones for last. Do not be scared to delegate the activities you do not have to carry out yourself, you will be grateful for the extra time it affords you.

Set a reasonable limit of time on each task and make sure you abide by it. Do not be too restrictive though, you need to make sure you have enough time to complete the task without having to rush. You also want to do things right the fist time so that there are no unnecessary delays. Everyone has their own time management personality; many people require extra time because they are perfectionists and often take longer, while others commit to too many things. You need to find a balance and make your time work for you.

Unfortunately life can throw some unexpected curve balls at the most inopportune moments, so you need to be prepared. Give yourself a little extra time in your day to deal with interruptions. It is imperative that you start changing bad time habits into good ones. Stop procrastinating and be proactive instead of reactive. Successful time management can be achieved much easier this way.

Time management tools are available for a reason, so use them. By using a daily planner

or software that helps you plan your schedule, you can make yourself better equipped and more organized to use your time productively. Establishing a routine is a great idea for anyone who has to complete repetitive tasks throughout their week.

Try not to leave any incomplete work behind you. Always finish your activity before moving onto the next one. Use the time you spend waiting for appointments or meetings to finish what you started. You will soon find that the extra time allows you to get a head start on other work.

The advantages of successful time management are numerous. You will become more motivated to achieve your goals and you can use the extra time you have to do the things you love. You will find your stress levels are quickly reduced.

Tips on Effective Time Management

Do your most important task first.

Do your most important task first.

Find out where you’re wasting time.

Eliminate unnecessary meetings

Create time management goals everyday.

Implement an effective time management plan.

Use time management systems and tools.

Prioritize everything

Learn to say NO

Learn to delegate or outsource.

Learn your routine and schedule around it.

Get in the habit of setting time limitations for tasks.

Don’t waste any time waiting.

External Time Wasters

• Telephone interruptions
• Meetings
• Visitors
• Socializing
• Lack of information
• Excessive paperwork
• Lack of system and procedures
• Emails

Internal

• Procrastination
• Failure to delegate
• Unclear objectives
• Failure to set priorities
• Failure to plan
• Poor scheduling
• Lack of self-discipline
• Attempting to do too much at once