How to Organize Time

Time is a diminishing resource. Time management remains the main tool for getting the most from available time. The ability to organize without procrastination controls these minutes and hours. Setting up a time management plan takes less time than you think.

Instructions

1. Make a list of priorities with due dates. Use a computer program, such as Outlook tasks, spreadsheets, word processor or a hard copy. Update these files when plans change.

2. Think of all the elements needed to finish the task. Pre-planning saves time and organizes the process.

3. Consider the time needed for each task.

4. Monitor each task you're working on. For weekly events use a mid-week assessment, while monthly plans need one day each week to see the task's progress.

5. Schedule time according to hard and easy things to do. The hardest items need more attention. Choose the period when you're most alert.

6. Multi-task the smaller things. While watching television or listening to the radio consider going through mail or do light reading. Look for those areas where time serves double-duty.

7. Look at where your time went on a daily basis. Make adjustments for the next day's schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• The more organized your office or living space, the easier to know the location of things.

• Keep a time log for each task. Enter time started and stopped.

• Do everything with a purpose. All those magazines you get, that seem to sometimes stack up, just tackle an article or two each day.

• Record the items needed for each day in one to do list. Put a line through each completed entry. Carry over those needed on the next day's list.

• Many times phone calls take more time than needed. Monitor the time on the phone to free up that time spent for other issues.