Time Management System

We have 24 hours in our day and seem to want to cram 30 hours into each day. I hope the following will help you realistically spend your 24 daily hours according to a workable time management system. The key to that is being able to identify time wasters.

We sometimes spend so much time planning our day according to minutes, half hours and hours that we waste time in trying to fit everything into a too tight time slot. Always leave a few minutes open between your appointments for unforeseen things that may suddenly pop-up.

There may be a fine line between multi-tasking and getting side-tracked. Switching the kettle on for early morning coffee, packing things you will need today into your book case, opening the back door for the dog to go outside may seem productive but it can also be a sign of building up stress even before the day has started. If you want to multi-task, make sure that you are aware of each action you take and ensure that you achieve exactly that which you intended doing in the first place. Here are a few other suggestions that you can use to help ensure that you have a working time management system.

• Car keys and cell phones. Car keys and cell phones should be found where you consciously hooked them. Attach bright colored key rings so they "shout" at you to find them if you occasionally displace them.
• Shopping. Shop once and shop final. We waste time shopping without a proper shopping list. If you love browsing in a shop, schedule some time to do just that.
• Telephone conversations and SMS messages. We all need a relaxed conversation with a friend from time to time. Schedule relaxation time daily for chatting to friends or family.
• Talking on a phone. Before you start dialing a telephone number, make sure you have all the relevant information at hand.
• Tracking time wasters. Write down accurately and conscientiously your personal time wasters. Eliminate them and replace them with time saving actions.
• E-mails. Specify and keep to the minimum time for reading E-mail messages. Your E-mail address should be used for only work related messages. Don't waste your employer's time with private messages.

To be as productive as possible we need to spend our time carefully and wisely by being able to identify time wasters, and eliminate them. Don't allow yourself to become side-tracked. Car keys and cell phones should be found where you consciously hooked them. Shop once, and shop final. Limit your telephone conversation to essentials. Make sure you have all the necessary information before dialing a number. Specify and keep to the minimum time for reading E-mail messages.