Aug 29, 2008
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The Benefits of Planning -Having More Time
“I’ll do it later.”
“It’s not due until tomorrow.”
“It would have been done on time but other things came up.”
“I can’t find anything.”
If you have ever said any of those things or even something similar, then you could benefit from better time management. Learning to use your time wisely will go a long way. You can have more time for work, for family and for yourself -if you plan it. Planning is essential to time management. Plan your day, your week; even your month or year.
Here are some easy steps you can take to start planning your time.
Get yourself a Planner
A planner of some sort, whether it’s a paper planner or computer software for planning, is a big help. Planners typically contain a calendar or timeline and a task list. They allow you to map out your whole day and list all the tasks you need to complete that day. When utilizing a computerized planner, you can check-off each task as you go along.
When using a paper planner here is a good system to track your tasks during the day:
- A blank check box next to your task means you still have to complete that task;
- A single diagonal line (/) across your check box means you are working on the task but it has yet to be completed;
- Mark the box with a full “X” when you have completed that task mark.
There is great satisfaction in seeing a column full of “X’s” at the end of the day. (Always write in pencil when using a paper planner. This way if things change it’s easy to correct.)
This simple yet effective little system will help you greatly in knowing where you are on various tasks and on what needs to be done next.
Here are a few other tips when scheduling your time or tasks:
- Be specific. Write out “exactly” what you need to do.
- Don’t push yourself. Schedule what you must but don’t over extend yourself on items that “can” be done later.
- Manage “all” of your time. Every second counts.
- Remember to schedule time for yourself. Yes, you deserve a 15 minute break.
- If traveling, be sure to include the travel time when planning your tasks. This will not only get you there on time but allow you a few moments to regroup or review any notes.
- Set a clear and definite start and stop time to your day. Although there are 24 hours in a day, it’s just not feasible to work all of them.
- Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. You’ll be moving towards the bigger picture.
Did you know that Walt Disney built Disneyland in 366 days? How? He knew how to manage his time and the time of his employees. Planning does take time to get used to. However, planning is essential to making the most of your time, . You know the old saying “practice makes perfect”, well now is the perfect time to “practice” planning your day.
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