There are so many articles, books, and top ten tips lists on the topic of time management. Everyone has an opinion. A unique spin on how to save a few minutes here or a few minutes there and you know these all add up at the end of the year. In fact here is what one of these might look like:
TOP SEVEN WAYS TO SAVE TIME
- Do not check your email, Facebook, Twitter or anything online first thing in the morning. Instead make a list of the three most important, must get done items today and then bullet point what you must do to get these done today. The electronic stuff waits until later.
- Utilize an assistant or voicemail to their best capacity. Empower your assistant with scripts or the ability to solve certain situations by themselves.
- Do not attend meetings unless you know exactly why they are necessary, who is the person in charge of the meeting, and what is the exact objective of the meeting.
- If you go to a meeting there must be action item(s) assigned at the end of the meeting with names and timelines.
- Utilize a planner either written or device where your time is scheduled in fifteen or thirty minute increments seven days a week. Yes you may write relax across eights hours on a Saturday if you choose. My preference would be to write in exactly what relaxing means to you during that time period.
- Make time to read, exercise and eat. By making the time to conduct these important healthy activities the rest of your time will be spent more productively.
- Check email, Facebook, Twitter and any online areas you wish, first thing in the morning. Yes, do it. Get it going right away. You might start people moving in a direction on a project and check back later to see how it is going. You might be responding to someone in the U.K. and later they will not be available. Choose this one or number one (above). Your choice. Which suits you better?
There you have an example of what one of these top lists looks like.
Now what? How about you use the information and try it out for a week or a month or a year and see if it makes a difference? My thought is if you become more productive and at the same time you save some time we will have a value added moment together!
Mitch Tublin is an advanced, certified executive and personal coach who resides in Stamford, CT.
Love these…esp the one about checking email later! I tend to be on social media for an hour later afternoon and it works with my tribe/s.
This one is so important: what is the exact objective of the meeting!
So glad you mentioned relax, eat exercise – I’d add have fun and laugh!
Great tips Mitch – they align quite closely with the top CEOs of the worlds success habits. I just recorded a video about this topic recently with a similar approach to getting productive http://www.uqpower.com.au/_blog/uqtv/post/uq-tv-welcome-to-episode-1—powerful-productivity-secrets-of-super-ceos/
I like to check email and social media messages early morning because I can answer questions quickly and get people moving on their day if it’s a team member. Then, like Trudy, late afternoon, too.
I have an addiction to my “inbox” I have to shut down my mac mail when doing “timed” tasks so I won’t be tempted. It works.
Mitch, I am working to check email less first thing in the morning so that email doesn’t control me. I recently read a book that talks about gaining control over the first and last parts of the day. By starting early with a walk with the dog and then prayer and Bible reading I am in control of the day. Then I worry about email! Thanks for the post.
Great tips, Mitch! I’m glad you included #6. Self-care often gets left off of time management lists but it really is the most important thing you can do.
Mitch,
Solid tips and I especially love “Do not attend meetings unless you know exactly why they are necessary”
It’s important to identify goals and stay on track. Meetings without a clear purpose are a time suck.
Write on!~
Lisa
Great tips. I find another great way to get productive is to turn OFF email, FB, twitter, etc when I am working on a project. This way I don’t get distracted or sidetracked.
Great tips on spending time more wisely. Cheers!