What is your average day in the office like? Do you arrive on time, get all your important tasks done, and still have time for lunch? Do you leave on time or end up toiling at your desk until late at night, never quite getting caught up?
Time management means getting the most out of every hour of every day. It does not mean working nonstop. In fact, if you manage your time wisely you’ll be able to devote more time to relaxation… and you can enjoy your time off, because you’re not spending it worrying about all the unfinished projects waiting for you tomorrow.
The key to time management is planning. Every night, make a list of all the tasks you want to accomplish the next day. Don’t try to prioritize yet. Just write down each task as it comes to mind, whether it’s finishing that client presentation or picking up a box of cereal at the grocery store.
Now look at the list and ask yourself,”What task will make the biggest improvement in my life if I get it done tomorrow?” Write a big #1 next to that item. Then mark the second and third most important items.
Setting the Schedule
Once you’ve set your priorities you can draw up a schedule for your day. This doesn’t have to be set in stone – as the day goes by you’ll end up adding more tasks and perhaps removing some of the existing ones. The idea is to give yourself an underlying structure as a basis for the day’s activities.
For example, you might decide to work on your client presentation first thing for about an hour, and then fill out orders for the hour after that, and so on through the rest of the day. Just having a clear idea about what you need to accomplish during a certain time period makes it infinitely easier to get those things done!