The observable concern might be cluttered space, piles of unfiled papers, difficulty finding things, or an out of control inbox.
The underlying issue is often an ineffective or absent time management system.
There are 3 features of an effective system for time management.
These apply to everyone from busy executives to the stay at home parent.
- Visual, written system
- Consistently used and reviewed
- Flexible and comprehensive structure
If you've read and tried them with no lasting success you might want to consider working with a coach or specialist who can help you create lasting habits that you are able to maintain.
Having a relationship with a professional will keep you more accountable, it's just like hiring a personal trainer to stay fit! Let's use this as your first consultation..
First, gather your planner and all of your to-do lists and notes.
In your planner, write in the times that you will wake up every morning and go to sleep every evening.
Now, you can work with how to fill in the hours in between.
Write in all of your scheduled and recurring meetings and appointments.
You might already notice that you want to reschedule appointments to less disruptive days or times.
For instance, maybe that hair cut in the middle of the weekday isn't the best use of that time.
Next, look at each item on your to-do list and cross off the ones that are not necessary.
Schedule any of the items that have a due date into your planner right now.
If they are big projects that require preparation and planning, work backwards and schedule time in advance to do those steps.
You're getting the idea, right? Finally, ask yourself these key decision-making questions:
- Am I the only one who can do this task?
- How long will it take me to do it?
- Does it have to be done now or can it be delayed?
Monitor your progress and the benefits.
Start to schedule new to-do tasks into your planner rather than just put them on a list.
You'll be glad you started using this system!