Tips and Techniques for Winning the War on Time
With numerous items on the agenda there never appears to be enough time to get things accomplished. Perhaps it is not what we seek to accomplish but what we focus on or do not focus on that drives our attention away from those items most important. There are ways to de-stress so that you accomplish more. The real hurdle is simply changing.
Procrastination
Research illustrates that most people procrastinate simply because they fear an outcome. Procrastinators malign their thinking so that the issue takes more time than it appears. Rather than procrastinate, complete the task you deplore first, the remainder of the day goes faster.
Prioritization
Simply put first things first. Use folders or lists to determine what item is first, second, third etc.
Delegate
Refrain from micromanagement and give some of your tasks to someone else.
Email Guilt
Email need only be answered four to six times per day. Stress erupts when your need for attention rises. Email is reactionary only when you allow someone to make it urgent.
Reflection
We believe that if we do nothing we should be guilty of non-production. Thinking, reflecting, meditating, observing, remembering, visualizing, absorbing, resting, are all "doing something." Resting and thinking creates better production.
Interruptions
Track them so that they can be eliminated. Have those interrupters make appointments Answer email and voice mail at specific times do not enable others to control your day.
Action Steps
Fatigued from labor intensity from those not returning voice, email and phone calls. Obligate them with an action plan. Tell them when you require data, will follow up etc. Failure to submit time frames delays and frustration.
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