Great Tips for Time Management

Time management is hard!  I know, I still have to make a conscious decision everyday to be sure I am using my time wisely. First thing in the morning is not bad.  I spend the first couple of hours reading my bible and in prayer.  But afterwards, when I should be working, my mind and body wants to sit in front of the television and watch I Love Lucy.

This wouldn’t be problem except that my most productive hours are in the morning.   So I can’t waste time watching television, surfing the internet, or checking emails.  I know that after 2pm my body and mind start winding down and nothing is getting done.  This may not be your particular situation.  You may be at your best in the afternoon.  Or maybe you want and are trying to carve out time for yourself and/or your family.  Whatever the particular situation, we know we need to take control of our time.  Below are some tips to help you manage time stealers:

1) Turn off the television.  With TiVo, internet, etc.,  there is no excuse for not being able to watch your favorite television shows at a later time.  You may have to re-train your body and emotions if they are used to watching television at a certain time during the day.  Yes, there may be withdrawal but you will overcome.

2) Prioritize.  Block off time in your day to do what is most important.  Make this uninterrupted time.  Turn off the phone.  If necessary, let family and friends know that this time is for your family, when you are working, or your quiet time.

3) Limit your cell phone and computer use.  These are the true time stealers.  I know that there are emails and alerts you must check, but if you are checking these several times within the hour, that is too much of your time that you could be using for more important things.  Prioritize your calls and check you emails twice a day, preferably around lunch and after your workday.

Time is the one thing we cannot get back. Remember: “Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master your time and master your life.” ~Alan Lakein.

Wallette V. McCall is an author, speaker and Life Transition Strategist for women.  Wallette publishes the “Breakthrough to Change” Ezine on how to navigate significant change in your personal and professional life at: www.AnotherLevelCoaching.com