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How do you manage your time to be more effective?  This topic keeps resurfacing in many discussions with business owners, managers, employees and when mentoring entrepreneurs.

My good friend, Nick Russell of Russtek Media recently blogged about this same topic.  His favourite line on this subject requires discipline:   “If you set your mind to it, you will be able to stay motivated and work from home and be as productive as you would be in an office setting.”

We have our habits that fit our style.   Some are good while others are not so good.  How do you change and adapt to be more effective with your time?

First thing every morning, I review the task list and create a new one starting with the most important task first.  Having the discipline to complete task one and then move onto task two and so forth down the list is difficult because everything new becomes an instant priority.

This was one of toughest habits to break.  At first it felt so wrong to stick to the priority list, however, the results over the years have proven to be successful for time management.

My good friend, Theresa Reaume, owner of Successful Image Client Relations Management shares how she is able to manage her time effectively: “Why put off tomorrow what you can do today”.  Great advice!  Theresa has achieved success and she is the Queen of Networking so managing her time is paramount.

Using the three D’s every time information is received has become a very good habit.  For example, when I look at my Inbox, each e-mail is opened and one of three things happen: Delete, Do/Defer as in schedule this task or Delegate with clear direction and deadline.

An interesting and effective tool is creating a Do Not Do List.  Seems strange however reviewing this list helps to remain focused on the priority tasks.

Setting agendas for meetings has helped manage time more effectively.  How many meetings to do you attend and find not much was accomplished or no action items to take away?

Learning to say no.  Very tough. Sometimes the right answer is to say no.  Set your criteria on what you are going to add to your plate and simply say no to the others.  I admit some days I just cannot seem to say no and leads to not managing my time effectively!

What are your time management tips?

 

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