The day flies by in a frenzy of activity, and yet nothing gets done. The in-box is still full, reports are unwritten, and the laundry is still piled up on the bottom step of the Stairmaster.
Chances are, you lack an effective time management system.
If you feel out of control and unorganized, don’t despair. By implementing a few proven time management techniques, you can increase your productivity both at home and at work, and end the day cool and collected instead of frazzled and frustrated.
Live By Your List
Don’t underestimate the satisfaction of crossing a completed task off your to-do list. A prioritized list will allow you to move from task to task without wasting time wondering what needs to be done next. Tip: At the end of each day, write down the next day’s tasks in order of importance. The next morning you’ll be able to hit the ground running.
Build A Planning System
There are many software systems available that can get you organized with electronic activity-tracking systems, alarms, and tickler files that remind you of pending items. If you prefer the low-tech approach, an old- fashioned desk planner or calendar is all you need to keep track of projects, their status, and the next steps you need to take. Before you invest in a system, however, give some thought to what you will actually use on a day-to-day basis.
Take Time to De-Clutter
Make a regular appointment with yourself once every week to clean out your inbox, mail box, kitchen table, or what ever surface you work on, and file, shred, or act on the documents you find there. Separate the critical from the unimportant, dump the junk mail, and file the takeout menus. You’ll never lose an important document again.
Use Technology Tools for Efficiency
If you haven’t already, you can put yourself in control of your finances 24 hours a day, seven days a week with free Wachovia Online Banking with BillPay. It’s secure and easy to use. You can check your account activity, view, print and save up to 16 months of your bank statements online, transfer funds between eligible accounts, view images of paid checks, receive Balance Alerts, and of course, pay bills online, when it is most convenient for you. And best of all, no more paper to file. Or take another quick look at the Cool Online Tools article from our last edition.
Don’t Give Up
Developing effective time-management skills is not something that happens overnight. It takes practice and discipline, but with the right techniques you’ll see results that make a big difference not only in your workday, but in every day.
