We all want more time to do the things we enjoy whether that’s in our business or family. Here are some tips on time management that can give you back your time.
- Email can be a big time leak. I remember hearing a colleague tell me they reviewed their email only two times a day—at noon and then again at the end of the business day. This method ensured that they picked up email from the morning to address, and any email in the afternoon was addressed at the end of the day which would be ready for the recipient in the morning. Also, turn off the nasty email tone “you got mail!” It’s a distraction. Unless you work in a life threatening business, no email is that important where it can’t wait.
- Choose the most important goal or task that you want to accomplish each week. This should be given Zen like focus to accomplish and helps you prioritize other items that come up.
- Know your work habits of when you are most productive. Some people are “morning” folks who like to get up and get going. Others are better off later in the morning or afternoon. Also, don’t confuse the “urgent” with the “important” otherwise you can get off track.
- Take breaks to prevent any burnout during the day. Get up from your desk grab some water and if necessary go outside to take a short walk. Not only can it be refreshing, but it can also give you a different venue and thereby a different perspective on an issue that you are trying to solve.
- Skip meetings that really are not adding to your ability to accomplish you goals. If you are required to attend make sure there is a clear agenda and time frame so that it does not simply drag on and become a distraction.
- Sometimes you have to use the word “no.” Accepting requests for meetings, introductions, or joining projects can be flattering, but they can also be a productivity drain. Its difficult to strike a balance with it, but you also run the risk of feeling resentful which will not help you at either work or home.
Implement these 9 strategies and find yourself with more time to do the things you want to do, and not have to do!
Mike