There are NEVER enough hours in the day!
Is this something that you can relate to?
We can't change the number of hours in a day (short of changing time zones), but we can change how effectively we use our time in those 24 hours.
Managing your time takes a little time and sadly there's no magic wand. So how can we do it?
In my experience the following steps can work for you regardless of your job or your industry, where you have the authority to manage your workload:
- Self Awareness - know how you prefer to work, what you like and dislike doing, times of day you prefer to work, amongst others or on your own or both!?
- Know Your Work - what tasks do you actually do? How long do they take? The frequency of these tasks? Remember that you might need to include travel as a "task" if you move around during your working day for appointments etc.
- Priorities - What is the purpose of your organisation? Therefore, what is the purpose of your role? These can help you define your priorities. Then you can define your work in terms of importance and urgency.
- Eliminate Time Wasters - Group tasks together that can distract you (emails/calls); minimise people interruptions by arranging set times for availability; change locations for different tasks; assertively say "no" where appropriate!
Take time to make time and I wish you an effective and productive working week!!