Do you get things done when you need and want them to be done?
Are you accomplishing your goals? Are you clear on what your goals are?
I participated in a time management webinar titled: “Achieve your goals this year.” It was very thought provoking. Here are a few of my notes from the session:
6 Key Principles Successful People use for time management
1. They use planning tools effectively
They have lists, a daily written To Do list, a planner, a calendar, they are using Outlook, or some other program. It doesn’t matter what they are using but that they have what they need done out of their head and clearly spelled out
2. They know the difference between IMPORTANT and URGENT
Urgent is when the network crashes and the only other person who can fix it is out of town but you have a key to get into the office.
Important in the dictionary means: something with positive payoff, impact, or consequences.
3. They fight Message Madness.
Did you know the average person spends 1-3 hours per day dealing with messages?
Most people over prioritize messages. Turn off your alerts, schedule a time to check your email messages, and let them build up until that time. Set up your filters and your junk boxes. Turn your email from overload to proactive. Make it do its job and help your progress along.
4. They work on long term goals regularly.
“Most people have no goals, have too many goals, or have conflicting goals.”
Break up your goals into categories. What are your goals for today, for this week, for this month, for this year, in the next five years?
Break goals into little steps, and work on that step until it’s done, and then move on to the next one. Many people allow their goals to swirl around in their minds. How stressful is that? Get it out — let your brain relax a little. Keep it from being overwhelming by keeping the steps small.
5. Their values and roles are linked to their priorities.
If you know your values, then you have a base for your priorities. For example: a mother has her role, and has her values as a mother, so her priorities are set accordingly.
Is the way you’re managing your time right now reflect your true values and priorities?
6. They plan everyday.
The three most important daily habits to have are:
A. Take 10 minutes before your day gets busy and write a list of things you have to do that day.
B. Take a midday break; even prisoners in jail take a midday break and go for a walk or get some fresh air.
C. Get the sleep you need (or none of the other stuff will work).
“Where you start your day, is where you will stay” – Aristotle
Make your plan for your day first, and then check your messages and see if anything in your inbox changes your plans. Planning your day is one of the keys to good time management. It will allow you to not stress as you can look at your list and see what you have accomplished and not have to worry about what you think you didn’t get done.
“We all have the same amount of time every day. What will you do with yours?”
Jessica can be found writing at Life Learning Leonards.
photo by BigBlue
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Those are great tips! I’ve bookmarked the post to review later. It also reinforced what I was feeling earlier today – it was a mistake to put off buying my planner refills just because they were expensive. I haven’t found anything I like as well, so I need to just go buy them. Tonight.