The beauty of fall just makes me smile…..and then I look at the “to do” list and I just sigh. How is it in today’s world of technology that is so helpful that I never get to the end of the to-do list??
I went back to some of the time management principles I’ve learned to see which ones I practice and ones I might try. Take a look and see if any might work for you?
• Use a weekly planner and a daily “to do” list. Take time to make your list for tomorrow before you leave the office today. In short, get organized! Gather what you need to get the job done and create a good work environment so you can focus.
• Decide what you can do and what you can delegate, both at home and at work. Teaching comes as part of delegation, and it takes time, but it becomes a skill for life. Remember practice makes perfect, and diligence pays off in the long run.
• Establish your priorities. What must be done, should be done and could be done. Put the tasks in three columns as you make the lists. Have family members help make the list at home so they too can learn to prioritize. Don’t forget, you can say “no” if it doesn’t align with your professional or personal priorities.
• Know what time of day is your best and set your goals to get the most difficult things done at a time when you can focus the most. Leave the mindless tasks for a time when you aren’t good at focusing. Remember that 80% of our work gets done in 20% of our time.
• Schedule time for projects, conversations, etc. and have a plan to accomplish your goals.
• Finally, make sure to take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep and have some “down” time. When we take care of ourselves, we are more productive. Now think of something you can do for yourself in the next 24 hours that will be a “treat” to you!
These are a few of the most effective time management techniques. I defiantly see a couple where I can improve, what about you?
Author: Melinda Hill, FCS Educator, OSU Extension Wayne County
Source:
10 Strategies for Better Time Management, University of Georgia Extension publication HACE-E-71, Sue Chapman and Michael Rupured
Reviewed by:
Kathryn K Dodrill, MA, CFCS
Associate Professor, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
The Ohio State University
Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences
Ohio State University Extension, Washington County
Monadine Mattey
Family and Consumer Science Educator
The Ohio State University, Ross and Pickaway Counties
