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By Clive Dunne MSc. Director, Elk Recruitment
Time is precious and using your time wisely and productively for most of us usually requires an uncomfortable and radical shift in mind-set. Jumping from one thing to another and finishing nothing is unfortunately the norm for some, a habit that results in inefficiency and time wasting. You must have a systematic approach to time management which will result in a less stressful way of getting things done first time
Time management tips
1.Use to-do lists, they are so effective in time management. You should start by getting yourself a good daily diary. Every Sunday evening take five minutes out and make it your business to plan and write down the top 10/20 items that you wish to have completed next week, day by day. First thing every morning review the list for that day and add the finer details. For instance, jot down who you need to call that day and the times things need to happen to meet your plan. Just make sure you write your to-dos down, it allows you to de-clutter your mind and to focus on completing tasks instead of trying to remember what they were.
2.Allocate time to do important tasks, stick to the times allocated and don’t be afraid to tell people you are busy during these periods, even if that means telling people Not now! Initially when you adopt this approach other might think it to be quite rude that you have fobbed them off, but they will get used to it. 9 times out of 10 what they wanted to talk to you about, they will have managed to sort it out for themselves. Bonus!
3.During busy time slots, turn of all social media platforms and concentrate solely on the task at hand unless of course you use them for business.
4.Pencil in certain times during the day to reply to emails.
5.In your daily diary identify days that are productive and what it was about that day that made it more productive. When you identify these productive factors try and introduce them into every day.
And remember “Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin
