Are
you always complaining about the lack of time. Well
I'm sorry to say that you can't change time, so you have only three
options: reduce unused time, do less things or do things
quicker.
Now,
before I continue with the tips I found, ask yourself the
following questions - and not just now but frequently at
work, this will help you keep on the right track:
1.
Is the task you're working on a top priority?
2. Is the task going to add value to your work?
3. Does your task help achieve your goals?
4. Could someone else be doing it?
Just by having these questions in mind your change in attitude
will help you make the most of your time.
So
here are some tips grouped in the three previously mentioned categories.
Reduce
unused time:
1.
Spend time planning and organising. To often we
hear "...I don't have time to organise!" when we should
be thinking "...how much time do I lose each day because
I'm not organised". I highly recommend that you read
the story Sue McMillin tells in here article to see how important
this point is. It's the third link at the bottom of the page.
2. Use a to-do list. Spending five minutes to make
a to-do list will help you work through your tasks quicker.
If you combine this simple tool with other tips below you
can turn this simple tool in a powerful time management
system.
Do
less things:
3.
Set goals. Goals will give you a sense of direction
and will help you plan and prioritize, which is the next tip.
4.
Prioritize. Use Pareto's rule: 20% of the effort will
provide 80% of the reward, so the key is to identify and
concentrate on that 20%.
5.
Reduce Urgent tasks. These tasks usually have short-term
consequences and you should be concentrating on those with long-term
and goal-related implications.
6.
Learn to say "NO". Eliminate all trivial tasks
and those that don't add value to your work.
Take
less time:
7.
Do the right thing right. If you have done all the above
you should be doing the right thing (effectiveness) now
you must concentrate on being efficient.
8.
Prime Time. Do the most important tasks in your prime
time, i.e. your most productive time of the day. This varies from
person to person.
9.
Break up tedious tasks. When you avoid doing something
you don't like try breaking it up into smaller tasks. This will
help you get it out of the way.
And
to finish, don't forget what we talked about in Motivating Staff
- when motivated you work faster and better - so reward yourself
for completing tasks, achieving goals or sticking to your to-do
list.
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