Time ManagementSome days, it seems like there just aren't enough hours to accomplish all of our goals or get all of our errands done. We start the day with a long mental list of important tasks, and by bedtime we realize that we've checked almost nothing off of that list. If you seem to be racing against the clock every day, a few simple time management tips might help you better organize your daily schedule and make the most of those 24 little hours.
Barb Wade, M.A. is a Professional and Personal Life Coach who works to help individuals, groups, and organizations find success in their personal and professional lives. Wade has consulted for companies including IBM, Sony Pictures Corporation, and Toyota, and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. She holds degrees in Clinical Psychology and Communications from Tufts University, Massachusetts, and Oxford University, England. Here she offers some basic ideas to help you turn time from an enemy into a friend:
- Plan daily priorities.
The first thing to do, says Wade is spend a little time each day planning. Instead of rushing into action, look at your to-do list and decide which tasks are the true priorities and what time of day you should attempt to accomplish them.
- Break list into small tasks.
A big list of tasks and goals can be overwhelming, and can make you feel like there's no point in even getting started. To beat this feeling, break the list down into manageable, bite-size chunks. Give yourself a half an hour for each small goal, and then move on to something else.
- Know your peak hours.
Are you full of energy when you get out of bed, or do you need several hours to get into gear? Understanding when your peak hours for enthusiasm and energy will help you decide when to challenge yourself with the tough tasks, and when to go easy and do something simple.
- Learn to say no!
Perhaps the most important key to successful time management, says Wade, is learning when to say no. Give yourself permission to decline favors, tasks, commitments, invitations, and requests. After all, there are a finite number of minutes and hours in each day, no matter how many goals you've committed yourself to.
| 
)
