Are you an individual who cannot seem to effectively manage your time? If you are having problems at home or at work, there is a good chance that your problems may be caused by your inability to properly manage your time. The good news, however, is that there are several steps you can take to improve your time management. Here are 8 simple steps that you can take.
1. Know That You Have a Problem – Knowing that you have a time management problem is the first step in changing your behavior. Although it is typical to be late for work or a social event on occasion, it is something that should not be happening on a daily or a weekly basis. If it is, it is time for you to realize that you may have a problem.
2. Decide to Change – Knowing that you have a time management problem is important but wanting to change is even more important. You need to set goals for yourself, as these goals can help to provide you with a source of motivation. Sample goals include showing up to work on time for a whole month, being on time for all dinner dates, and so forth.
3. Stick to Your Goals – Creating a few time management goals for you to meet is advised, but it is important that you do not give up right away or when you are faced with complications. Setting goals simply isn’t enough, you need to stick with them.
4. Create Daily Task Lists – Creating a ‘To Do’ list for yourself is an uncomplicated way to properly manage your time. In fact, it is one of the easiest approaches that you can take. Outline what you need to do throughout the day. Be sure to list your tasks in order of importance.
5. Rely on Time Management Tools – Properly managing your time is important, but it can be hard for many individuals to get used to, especially right away. If you are one of those individuals, you will want to consider using time management tools to your advantage. In fact, did you know that many cell phones and computers come with alarm clocks, alerts, and so much more?
6. Learn How to Say ‘No’ – In all honesty, there are times where you may not be able to refuse a project at work or a task at home but try not to take on more than you can accomplish. If you must, investigate using outside help. In the home, this outside help can come from a housecleaner. At the workplace, this outside help can come from a coworker.
7. Get Organized – Organization is key to being able to effectively manage your time. If you are unorganized, you are likely to waste a large amount of time. For example, in the workplace, you can waste time searching for lost or misplaced documents. The same can be said for the home; if you are unorganized, you can spend hours searching for your glasses or car keys.
8. Consider Hiring Professional Help – As previously stated, if you are overwhelmed at home, you may want to call on a professional housecleaner. In addition to taking this approach, there are other professionals that you can target. There are individuals and companies who specialize in teaching others how to effectively manage their time and stay organized.
~ Written for us by our associate Gary Sorrell, Sorrell Associates, LLC. Copyright protected. All rights reserved
