Time Management...

The following are a few ideas to keep in mind.

Negative Effects

Poor time management results in:

• Procrastination
• Lack of sleep
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Rushing through tasks
• Feeling overwhelmed

In order to combat the above, it is necessary to construct and stick to a schedule. Use the following suggestions for assistance.

Tips for Work

• Use a personal digital assistant (PDA), calendar, or day planner to keep track of upcoming meetings, deadlines, and appointments.
• At the start of your day, take time to write down what you need to accomplish, and work in order of priority.
• If possible, delegate minor jobs to others - or, simply ask for assistance.
• Never skip lunch. Not only does your body need nourishment to help you focus, your mind needs the mental break.

Tips for Home

• Sort mail into "Now" and "Later" categories.
• Read it at the same time each day; this will prevent you from spending too much time reading a particular piece.
• Lists are your friend!
• Always carry a shopping list to stay on task
• Plan your weekly meals while writing out your grocery list
• Every day, create a "to-do" list; rank each item in order of priority.

Tips for Parents

• Keep a calendar or chart posted with the family's daily activities so you can keep track of important upcoming events.
• Use a different colored marker or pen for each family member for easier readability.
• Find tiny windows of opportunity to get small chores done. For example, balance your checkbook while your kids watch TV, or answer e-mails while they do their homework.
• Buy in bulk. This will reduce the amount of trips to the store.
• Teach your children to do chores. Not only will they learn responsibility, it will free up time for you to get other things done!

General Advice

• It's okay to say "no"! Only obligate yourself to activities you know you have time for.
• Divide large projects into smaller parts and tackle each separately. This will make the venture feel more manageable.
• Constantly ask yourself "What is the best use of my time right now?" and do that job.
• Try combining errands; for example, if you will be heading out for lunch anyway during a break from work, why not take part of that time to drop off dry cleaning or buy pet food?
• Wake up earlier! Wouldn't it be nice to get a few more things done instead of sleeping a mere 15 minutes later?
• Don't forget to pencil in some time for yourself to unwind as well! Taking a break from the stressors of life is just as important as completing your duties.

Did you know there is a mathematical formula called "Pareto's Principle," or the "80/20 Rule," which has been applied to other life concepts?  Its basic idea is that in anything, a few (20%) are essential, and the rest (80%) are trivial.  You can attribute this to your list of daily or weekly tasks and prioritize accordingly.

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