It is your time…how will you manage it?
Time management is a skill that you must learn to be successful and happy. When you are a student most of your time is managed by class schedules and homework deadlines. Once you start your first job that will all changes. No one is going to tell you how to manage and balance your time between work and home. Time management is a skill you can learn by following a few basic principles.
1. At the end of the day, make a list of the things to be done the next day, listing them in order of importance not urgency
2. When you are working on an important project, concentrate on what you are doing. Inattention adds time.
3. If you are having a two person meeting go to his or her office. That gives you control on when to leave.
4. Donʼt wait for late-comers at a meeting, proceed on schedule.
5. In addition to planning your work for the next day, try establishing longer range goals and review them from time to time.
6. Keep in mind that doing the job right is not the goal, doing the right job is.
7. It is human nature to underestimate the time for a job. Learn to be realistic and donʼt make a promise that you cannot keep.
8. Donʼt go from task to task without completing any. Stick with the top priority until it is done.
9. In evaluating you use of time, be honest about the inroads of personal business.
10. Donʼt procrastinate: some decisions can be made by flipping a coin.
11. On a regular basis, check your priorities. Circumstances change and so can the priorities.
12. Donʼt believe the myth that a cluttered desk is the sign of a good worker.
13. Not being punctual is not only rude, it waste the time of those kept waiting. It is a bad habit that can be cured.
14. Keep yourself in good health and avoid fatigue so you can maintain your energy level.
15. Try to handle paper only once. TIO. Throw it away, act on it, forward it to someone for action, but try not to file it for future action.
16. If you have a small unpleasant task ahead, -clear it off at the start of the day.
17. If you write, be precise and brief.
18. Keep important projects you are working on visible. Also keep deadlines in sight as a reminder.
If you are not managing your time…who is?