Here are some pointers for getting your daily work
schedule under control:
Start a log:
Get a clearer idea of how you currently use your time. Keep a daily log for a
week. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you need to allot
for each task. Energy levels may vary throughout the day – most people function
at different levels of effectiveness at different times. Once you have logged
your time and tasks for several days, analyze the log. You may be alarmed to
see the length of time you spend opening mail, talking to colleagues or dealing
with disruptions.
Set
reasonable goals: No one can be perfect. Difficult tasks usually result in
avoidance; therefore, you need to set reasonable, achievable – but challenging
– goals.
Create a
plan of action: A lot of time management has to do more with what we are
not doing rather than what we are doing. You need to start your day with a plan
of action to be the most productive. Instead of responding to other people’s
demands, do what is important for you to do.
Prioritize:
Another way to manage your time is to prioritize your responsibilities and
engagements: assignments need to get done that day; tasks are important and
should be completed within the week; items are those tasks that are relatively
trivial and can be done after the first two has been done. It is all right to
carry some items to the next day.
Clean your
desk: Besides keeping a log and prioritizing, cleaning your desk or work
area is important.
Allow for
quality sleep: Studies have shown that nearly 75% of us complain regularly
that we are tired during the workday. If you plan your day and then work your
plan, you will get more done and feel a greater sense of accomplishment –
allowing for a more restful night’s sleep.
Take a break:
Many managers and business owners do not take a lunch break and work through
that time period in the hopes that it will give them more time to get things
done. Studies have shown that the effects may be just the opposite.
