Are you a good time manager? I mean, do you make the best use of your time? I must admit, I haven't always maximized my time, but over the years, I've developed a few tricks that I use to feel accomplished (or not) at the end of the day.
Here goes:
Calendar - if it's not on my calendar, it doesn't happen. I have multiple email accounts (story for another day - see Reduce Email Overload) and the calendars allow me to schedule and keep track based on the audience or organization associated with that email account. It's how I start and end my day - viewing what's on the horizon and mapping out how I'm going to get it done.
Task list - I love lists!!! The feeling of checking a task off my list is exhilarating. Seeing something that is still sitting on my list is not! (lol). To capture my list I've used sticky notes or made a list in the journal or notebook I carry at work. In other instances, I've used an app - the notes app on my phone and an app called Trello. Both apps allow me to list and check things off.
Accountability partner - I do not use an accountability partner often, but this has proven helpful for large and small tasks. Occasionally, I'll say to my sister or a colleague, "hold me accountable" for a small task. There are other instances when I have a larger project or goal and I'll work with an accountability partner. (Check out My Friend, Dana)
Peak times of day - There are times of the day when I produce my best work! Early in the morning and late at night. Midday does not seem to yield the same results. Helps to know when I feel most productive.
Reward - Will work for _____? Fill in the blank. For me, it's things like take a nap, a stroll through Target, get a tall caramel frappuccino from Starbucks, x minutes to just de-frag. The reward can only be cashed in if I complete what ever it is I set out to accomplish.
Making good use of my time helps me make the most of every moment. At the end of each day, I measure myself against my list for the day. Just like I schedule time for cranking out tasks and projects, I also give myself grace so that I can insert time for self-care.
How are you keeping time?
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