Learning good time management skills can make the difference between success and failure, however, the real difference isn’t necessarily in the skill specifically, but in the mindset of the individual. Once the mindset is appropriate, the skill comes easily and naturally. This article is about what to do once the mindset has been established. Read on for more! Unfortunately, there isn’t a good followup link to find more information but you can get more info here:
You know that good time management skills can make a real difference in your productivity, but it can be hard to create the habits that you need to consistently implement those skills. There’s no need to get overwhelmed – you can master time management with a few consistent steps.
First, and perhaps the most important part of time management is keeping track of just what you need to do. This is where you need a list, or several lists. If you need to get something done, you need to have it written down. Writing down what you need to do frees you from having to think about it.
Why is that important? If you have to remember to do something it keeps surfacing in your mind over and over – even when you should be focused on something else. Your productivity for all tasks is reduced because your mind feels it’s important to keep interrupting what you’re doing to remind you of something else you need to do. If you write down what you need to do on your to-do list or on a sheet of paper in your inbox your mind knows that you’ll get back to that task.
Take things that you write down and put them on a master task list.
This brings us to the next time management principle. Put action steps on your task list. Don’t just write down that you need to work on “Project X.” Write down your next actual step for “Project X” such as “Call Jenn at 333-4444″ or “Write proposal.”
By doing this you look at your list and see exactly what you need to do. You don’t waste valuable time figuring out what step should come next. You’re able to jump right in and get to work.
Some time management experts argue that you don’t need to prioritize your work – that you should be able to look at your to-do list and know what is top priority and work on that. However, I find it works much better to add priorities. You can pull a few tasks from your master to-do list and add them to a daily list. Then prioritize them. This works because you know you don’t stop one task until you’ve completed it. It helps you stick with it.
A final tip to get you mastering time management is to reduce distractions. You can set up the most effective system in the world, but it still won’t work if you’re getting distracted every few minutes. Pick the next task on your to-do list and stick to that task. If you think of something else you need to do while you’re working write it down and put that paper out of the way – and out of your mind. Commit yourself to what you’re doing right now. Close your internet browser and chat windows if you need to. Route your calls straight to voicemail. Turn on some music and focus. Do whatever it takes to remove distraction and stick to your task until the end. You’ll find that you work much more quickly and more effectively.
Use these few principles to maximize your work and develop time management skills that truly bring you greater productivity. Your to-do lists will show you the difference, and you’ll be motivated to continue your new habits.
Kristen really enjoys speaking her mind – and writing about it in her articles. Visit her newest website at http://www.kitchenaidgrainmill.org/ to find out more about what she thinks of the Kitchenaid grain mill and other grain mill information.
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