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I believe the key to effective time management
is having a PLAN. Once you have done that, communicate your plans to
others involved in your life (those nearest and dearest to you), or those
people working with you in business.
1. Prioritize your goals. Set up the following:
* A weekly plan: Plan for a week at a time.
* A 'don't forget' list.
* A 'what now' list.
2. Focus on the important things - the things that really matter to you.
3. Throw out irrelevant bits of paper.
4. No matter what pressure you are under, try to control your stress level
at all times.
5. Control interruptions (even a 'closed door' policy is not a bad thing).
6. Don't procrastinate (big word - never use a big word, when a diminutive
will do!).
7. Prepare a reminder list of essential details.
8. Plan to get the routine tasks out of the way as quickly as possible.
9. Develop routines. Ask yourself this question: can any (procedures) be
eliminated or speeded up?
10. Focus on one task at a time.
N.B:
10. Pat yourself on the back each day by reviewing your
accomplishments.
11. Self monitor and self evaluate your progress on the way to your goals.
12. Set and keep deadlines for yourself and others (Don't
"interrupt" yourself).
13. Learn to say "no" to others' demands.
14. Slow down for success.
15. Distinguish the really urgent from the seemingly urgent. Sort out low
priority work. Put it aside for later or eliminate it totally.
16. Encourage others to get to the point on the telephone or at meetings.
Without being too rude, of course!
Waffle less (I love 'em), yourself!
17. Respond less formally, but with more speed, eg. a hand-written
compliments slip rather than a typed letter.
18. Make time for yourself to relax; because this recharges the batteries.
19. Delegate for success. Ask yourself the question:
Is this only something I can do? If not, to whom can the work be
appropriately assigned? Is this person prepared now, or does he/she need
further instruction to complete the task efficiently?
20. Provide clear and realistic expectations. Keep only the paper you need
on your desk (if you are lucky enough to have a desk, that is!). Clear out
irrelevant files. A tidy mind is an effective mind, but tidy desks are
really rarely creative.
Thank goodness I have an excuse then!
21. Communicate clearly to your sub-ordinates and co-workers. Hard if you
are at the bottom of the barrel, like me! Get messages across clearly the
first time.
22. Set aside time to mentally regroup, to think and to plan. Very
important. Review progress regularly to see which plans are working and
which ones aren't. Work with individual players and set aside time for
individuals. Remember everyone is a unique individual with their own
needs.
22. Have direction. Believe in yourself and what you are trying to
accomplish. Review your skills periodically and pat yourself on the back
with your progress to date.
23. Take time out occasionally to assess your progress towards your goals
and review where you are headed. Re-assess the effectiveness of your
personal time management strategies.
24. Rest often with mini-breaks (Winston Churchill used this technique
often taking "cat-naps"). Take care of your body and your
mind - it's the only one you've got.
Finally (and most importantly),
25. Enjoy the journey down "the river of life" and
BE HAPPY.
Craig Lock
http://www.craiglock.com
About the author:
Craig Lock has had six books published on various subjects with another 12
manuscripts published on the internet. Craig's various books* (hard
copies, CD's, "talking books" and e-books) are available at:
http://www.novelty-gift.com/
and http://www.nzenterprise.com/4reel/
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