Make the most of your Time: What tools can I use?
I hear all the time, “there aren’t enough hours in the day,” and although you can’t add hours to your day, 24 is the daily limit, you can learn to utilize certain tools to make the most of that time.
Time management is defined as the ability to use one's time effectively or productively, especially at work. Here are some tools I have found helpful in managing my time:
Determine where you currently spend your time. Do an audit of your day and determine where you are spending the time you have. Do this over a few days or a week to get a full understanding of the tasks you complete.
Plan ahead. Plan your day the night before or your week out on Sunday. Look at the weather and determine what you will wear, what are the priorities and what deadlines need to be met.
Create a To-Do List. Write it all down (or type it out). Find a task tracking system that works for you. Remember to always finish a task, if you get interrupted, go back later and finish it. Sometimes, checking off that task is the most adrenaline part of my day.
Stop trying to do it all and learn to say “NO.” Set your priorities and remember that just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should. Determine if the task you are adding to your list is actually a priority and something that has to be done or done by you.
Delegate/Outsource: We aren’t all skilled in the same things, some have strengths that others consider weaknesses. Know yours and delegate or outsource your weaknesses to someone else or even those things that are strengths but that you don’t enjoy doing.
Use Online Tools. My online calendar and task tracking systems are my favorite things to use to keep me organized. With the technology of the day, take advantage of the resources you have available to you.
There are so many more things I could offer to you to help you manage your time better, these are just the key tools that have helped me make order out of chaos in my life.