I've learned quite a bit about time management. Here are some of the highlights:
- Keep an up-to-date "to do" list. More notes on that in another blog.
- Keep a detailed calendar. Write preparation notes on the calendar days and weeks ahead.
- Do small tasks first unless they are time consuming. This frees you up mentally and helps you feel like you finished something.
- Take breaks to do the things you enjoy and/or use those things as motivators to get through the things you don't want to do.
- Take the time to get very well prepared and organized before you begin a project. It seems like a waste until you are mostly through and then you will be thankful.
- Don't assume details. Ask about things even if you feel annoying. It saves time doing re-work later.
- Play out scenarios in your head and picture how it will work out, tweek processes you develop upfront, a time saver later.
- Take a Sabbath day. You are not a machine, do not work all the time.
- Before you get on your computer or internet make a list of what you need to accomplish in order to stay on-task. Allow yourself only a predetermined time on other sites if you are busy.
- Before making calls or sending replies, work through all the project in your head and go through other resources. Try to cover as much as possible in one call or one email. Make notes on open ended questions and ask for an action to be determined before you hang up or in your note. For instance, it could be that if there is no answer to your question that you will hear back by a certain date.
- Take note of what days of the week you are most effective and plan for the heavy-lifting those days. Most people are best suited for detailed work or fresh creative perspective right after a weekend or break.
- Being organized is a great time saver.
- Group tasks, if you need to go somewhere, also try to run other errands in that area or near that area. If you need to work on the computer, do several things in sequence on the computer.
- Try to avoid multitasking. If you are doing something, focus on that thing--especially if it is a detailed task like an inventory list. You will get more quality work done. Interruptions are inevitable but you can make some notes and go back to that task later.
- If you feel the need to do research on something, like how an app works, take the time to do it. But be specific about what you are looking for and don't get lost in your searching especially if it is online. Clarity lends to effeciency.
- Be proactive. If you are wondering about something, address it. Waiting for someone to come to you about an idea, work that is outstanding, etc. You will be more apt to do thorough work when things are fresh in your mind.
- Be friendly to all vendors and help them out. It has helped me get things turned around quickly when needed. A small detour for someone to help them out will save you time down the road.
- Take lunch, and leave the building most days. Try to change up your scenery. It reinvigorates you and helps you work better and longer when needed.
- Be aware of when you need quiet. I find that sometimes I get distracted by noise and it slows me down to almost a stop. It can be radio/tv, anything ... At that point I need to change tasks or find quiet.
- Talk with people who know what you don't. Don't be afraid to pick the brains of those around you.
... an a lot more ideas, but these are the best.
