Time management can give you more free time, peace-of-mind, & enable you to get more done

Before I started using time management ideas I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. With studies, school related projects, and also belonging to several on-campus organizations it made me a busy camper. The problem was I did not have time for a social life, let alone any time of my own. Until I learned these simple ideas...

There are many important steps to take with managing your time. First set aside two hours of time. If you're like me, you probably think you don't have two hours. I soon discovered though, this step was one of the most important decisions I ever made. Next sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil. Try to find a quiet place as this is easier without interruption.

First write down everything you expect to do in a day. When I say write down everything, I mean even the small things... taking a shower, preparing meals, cleaning up, and even spending time with your significant other. Don't forget time for yourself. :o)

Now go a step further and include everything you would want to accomplish this week. Add those activities that are typically weekend projects including cleaning, running errands, and things like renting movies. Now take this extensive list, and label your most important projects A, next important B, and least important C. This step will help with determining how much time to spend on each activity.

Next decide how much time to spend daily on each activity (if you work a typical 8 hour-a-day job, write dow
8 next to job). Don't forget to include driving time back and forth to work, making and eating lunch, and dressing for work, etc.

Keep smiling the hardest part is done. :o)

Now have a look at the numbers. Any surprises? If you are like most people you will find you are routinely trying to stuff too much into one day and then playing catch up the rest of the week. Or we neglect activities important to our holistic health including exercise, spending time with a friend, plus time for ourselves (reading, drawing, surfing the net, or just taking a hot bath).

Finally, lay out the whole week. Don't judge yourself, and take a good look. Are the items using the most time important to you?

Hint: Are there any things you can combine? For example, can you shave in the shower to save time or prepare a meal in a crockpot so it cooks while you're at work. Combining activities could give you enough extra time to do something fun today. Optimizing your schedule can give you back some more control in life. nnks nnn