How to Keep a Time Log

A time log is a great tool for identifying how you spend your time throughout the day. By keeping a detailed log of your activities, you have a record to review and look for ways to become more productive. It's the first step toward better time management.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide how you'll manage your time log. There are various software programs specifically designed to help you track your activities. You may prefer using a spreadsheet or word processing document. A small notebook or some scratch paper works just fine, too.

2. When you begin a new activity, record the start time. Once you've completed the task, or if you leave it to work on a different task, record the stop time. By the end of the day, you'll have a detailed list of the exact amount of time you spent on every activity. Duties and obligations vary day to day, so don't rely on one day's log. Keep track of your time for a week or so.

3. Sort all of your activities into general categories. For example, time spent making business phone calls or returning e-mails can go into a communications category. Surfing the web and chatting with coworkers can go into a personal category.

4. Figure out what percentage of your time is spent on each general category of tasks during a week. Decide whether you're spending too much or too little time on each category.

5. Review your daily logs and look for opportunities to fit in more time for important activities. Limit the tasks that are taking up too much of your time.

6. Look for patterns. Do you tend to lose your motivation to work right after lunch? Use that time to complete personal tasks. When are you most alert during the day? Adjust your schedule so you spend that time on your most challenging projects.