What do you do if your time management system as a merchandiser is falling apart?

2 Revise your goals and priorities

The next step is to revise your goals and priorities based on your situation and the feedback you receive from your clients and team members. You may need to adjust your scope, timeline, or budget for some of your projects, or delegate or outsource some of your tasks. You may also need to say no to some requests or opportunities that are not aligned with your objectives or values. Make sure you have SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) and a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and why.

3 Create a realistic schedule

The third step is to create a realistic schedule that reflects your revised goals and priorities and allows you to manage your time effectively. You can use a calendar, a planner, or an app to organize your tasks, deadlines, and appointments. You should also allocate some buffer time for unexpected events, emergencies, or revisions. You should also consider your energy levels, work style, and preferences when scheduling your tasks. For example, you may want to do your most important or challenging tasks when you are most alert and focused, and leave your routine or less demanding tasks for later.

4 Implement your plan

The fourth step is to implement your plan and stick to it as much as possible. You should follow your schedule and focus on one task at a time, avoiding multitasking or switching between tasks too often. You should also minimize distractions and interruptions by turning off your phone, email, or social media notifications, or working in a quiet and comfortable place. You should also reward yourself for completing your tasks and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small or big they are.

5 Monitor and evaluate your progress

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate your progress and check if your time management system is working for you. You should track your time, output, and results, and compare them with your goals and expectations. You should also solicit feedback from your clients and team members, and see if they are satisfied with your work and communication. You should also reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify any areas for improvement or learning.

6 Adjust and improve your system

The final step is to adjust and improve your system based on your progress, feedback, and reflection. You should be flexible and adaptable, and willing to make changes or try new things if something is not working for you. You should also seek help or guidance from others who have more experience or expertise in time management or merchandising. You should also keep learning and updating your skills and knowledge, and stay on top of the latest trends and best practices in your industry.