Time Management Tips

I'm using the first of these time management tips right now, by writing this. There was a time when I tended to do all the "busy work" in the morning, while putting off the important things. Maybe I got to the important stuff later in the afternoon, or maybe not. Now, I get up in the morning and I write an article, because this is what is most important for my business right now. I do this whether I feel like it or not.

The result? I often fell like I have gotten a good days work in before noon. I find that the business does well even if I take afternoons off so my wife and I can go for a drive in the mountains - as long as I do the important things first. I have also noticed that there isn't nearly as much "busy work" that needs to be done as I thought, once the important things are out of the way.

Take some time to decide which things on your "to do" list are most important. For longer projects, break them into smaller pieces, and attack one of those smaller pieces as your first work of the day every day. Important things first - it isn't a new idea, but it's still a valuable time management tip.

Time Management Tip - Planning Well

Try to spend just the right amount of time planning. How do you know if you're spending too much time planning, and so wasting time? How do you know if you're not planning enough, and so are working inefficiently? I have a partial solution.

Most of us fall into one of two categories. First, there are those like myself, that like to plan. I can spend a day making lists, looking at calendars, and dreaming up new strategies to try in the business. Then there are those who don't like planning. They are often forgetting to do things that should be on their "to do" lists, mostly because they don't have such a list.

Both types have time management problems, so here is my simple solution: If you're of the first type, assume you are spending too much time planning, and start working more directly on things. If you're of the second type, you almost certainly can be more productive in less time with more planning. Why not sit down each evening and make a plan for the next day?

Time Management Tip - Get Up Early

I am one who didn't use to get up early. Now that I do, I am amazed at the difference it makes. It seems that if you sleep the same number of hours, it shouldn't matter when you sleep. Well it does matter (at least it has for me). Is it the quiet of the morning that allows for more and better work? Or is it that there are more and more distractions as the day progresses?

I really don't know. I simply know that when I get up early, there seems to be so much time to do things. If you aren't an early riser, why not try it out for a week or two? Of course, try the time management tips above as well. Time well managed means more time for whatever you want to do. I want a drive in the mountains, and since this is my second article of the day, I think it's time.

The Time Management Course

Why learn time management skills? How about to have less stress, get more of what matters done, make time for family and friends, and accomplish your important goals? Ready to give it a try?

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The Time Management Course

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