The thought often occurs to us that if only we had a little more time in the day we could do all the things we want to do. Unfortunately, we can't stretch those 24 hours in a day to 30, but by improving time management skills you can be more productive and have more time for yourself and your hobbies.
Instructions
1. Make a to-do list. It seems corny, but actually putting down on paper the things you have to get done, and watching the list grow shorter as the day progresses, can be a wonderful way to boost your productivity.
2. Schedule blocks of time for each task. If you have not given yourself enough time to finish your taxes, but you must move on to something else, try to make up time with another task on your list. This way, you can get everything done that you must, and improve your time management skills.
3. Mark your list in order of priority. The most important tasks should be tackled first. There are some things you may have to put off from one day to the other, but the point of improving time management skills is to get the important tasks and errands taken care of regularly.
4. Be reasonable about what you can accomplish each day. You need to start by seeing where you have free time and could be more productive in the future. It may mean that you have to cut your television time in half, but your daily lists can become manageable with time.
5. Cut your larger projects down to size. If you have a goal of putting all of your photos into albums, but cannot find the large quantity of time to do it all at once, try doing one event, box or set of pictures at a time. This way you can see progress, and by doing a bit every day you'll have it done in a matter of weeks.
6. Pair things up to improve your time management skills. Instead of ditching your sister when she calls, use the time on the phone with her to do a mindless task like loading the dishwasher or sweeping the front stoop. Staying in touch with family and friends is important, but it doesn't mean you should sit idly by while chatting.
7. Take the time to relax. As you improve your time management skills, you can carve out stretches of time in every day to do the things you want. That is the whole point. So, when you have done most or all of your to-do list for the day, and you have no commitments, sit down and reward yourself with a book, puzzle or your journal.
Tags: management skills, time management skills, have done, improve your, improve your time, time management