Time is our most precious, and often least controllable resource. We cannot change the amount of time we have (there are only 24 hours in a day), but we can change how we use the time we have. Here are a few tips to make your use of time more effective:
Set Priorities. Every morning, make a list of all the things you want to accomplish and put them in priority order. Work on the first item until it is finished. When you are interrupted, handle the interruption, but then get right back to work on the item. That's the key. Everybody gets interrupted - but most people never make it back to what they were working on. At the end of the day, you won't have finished everything, but you'll have finished the most important things. Integrate what's left with whatever new tasks have developed, and make a new list the next day.
Start a "Tickler File." Take an expandable file folder or index card holder and put 31 file folders or index divider cards in it, numbered 1 to 31 for the days in the month. Put notes of what needs to be done on specific days in the proper file. Review the next day's notes before each day. At the start of each day, take out the items to be accomplished, integrate them into your priority list, and move the file folder or divider to the back of the pack.
Quick chores. Create a list of one- or two-minute chores that you can accomplish whenever you are put on hold. This "hold time" could add up to hours over time. These quick chores could include getting rid of old computer files; writing short memos; going through the mail; reading trade publications.
Set up a "Worry Hour." Norman Vincent Peale scheduled a "worry time," when he would get all his negative thoughts out of the way. The rest of the time, he wouldn't let them interfere with his positive approach to management. Any time you start to worry, jot down the concern on a pad, and make a mental note to deal with it at "worry hour." Most worries will solve themselves before you get to them.
Combine tasks. Every time you work on a task, ask yourself which aspects of the task could be applied to something else you do. For example, could the copy for an upcoming group promotion be edited to be used as part of a proposal to another group? Save time by re-using the material.
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