Time Management Training
Skills, Suggestions and Tips
By Justin Tyme*

We all have the same amount of time to work with, so how come some people can accomplish so much more than others? It's not the amount of time we have that's important, it's the effective use of time that matters. Here are some excellent suggestions and tips for time management that can leverage your time and make you more productive.

If you would like to see some information on time management training, visit Ideas and Training. You'll find books, video and audio tapes and more to help you management your time and be more productive.

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• Recognize from the beginning that you will probably have to make minor changes in your project times and schedules from time to time.
• Provide for more time than you think you will need. This makes your schedule flexible enough to allow for the unexpected.
• Plan for the time in between meetings. This is valuable time, yet probably the easiest to waste. Get into the habit of using it productively.
• Do not schedule time for certain things, such as reading your mail, when you know it is impractical. We all have a time of the day when we aren't likely to accomplish much.
• Plan for a good balance of activities. Social life has many aspects that are all important to success.
  
• Accomplish a few vital goals rather than many trivial ones.
• Break large, overwhelming goals down into smaller, more attainable tasks.
• Carry a pocket planner or datebook and use it.
  
• Keep a calendar. Mark all important dates (for example, dinner with your spouse or meeting with associates) as soon as you get them.
• Keep a visible list of "Things to Do" and mark them off as completed.
• Do unpleasant tasks first.
• Neatness makes the job much easier.
• Allow time for yourself to relax and do nothing.
• Read a book or watch a video on time management and effective use of time.
• Establish clear priorities for what you want to get done. Identify tasks and activities that are of highest priority and eliminate those of low priority.
• Every day make a list of what you have to do tomorrow. Prioritise the list and plan to do the most important tasks first.
• Block out a specific time slot each day to do your priority tasks. Concentrate fully during this time.
• Figure out when you work most efficiently. Do priority tasks then.
• Leave time in your schedule for emergencies. Don't have too many priority tasks in one day. Be realistic.
• Ask yourself, "What am I doing that someone else could do?" Delegate!
• Try to do more than one thing at once. For example, do errands on your lunch hour, shop at a location where you can do several errands in one place. Don't schedule too many things, so that you have to rush during your lunch time. This can add more stress and slow you down.
• See where you can build in extra time. Getting up a bit earlier is one way, but only if you still get enough rest for your body. Identify pockets of time that are wasted and see if you can use them more efficiently.
• Throw things out immediately (mail, newspapers, trade publications) to reduce clutter and the need to reorganize.
• As often as possible, provide written instructions to subordinates. This can prevent numerous interruptions-by both of you.
• Do more than your fair share when you are less stressed. Then, you are much more likely to get help during those times you need it. Remember, though, you have to ask for help to get it.
• Divide seemingly overwhelming tasks into small increments, and attack them one at a time.
• Do one task each day that you don't like to do. It's good discipline and it will help you through the tough times.
• Discuss time management with your boss and with your co-workers, and determine what you can do as individuals and as a team to use time more effectively.
• Purge your hard copy files annually -- your hard disk monthly if possible.
• Stand up while on the telephone. Your conversations will be shorter.
• Don't try to over control others. It's frustrating for them and time-consuming for you.
• Make a "worry" list. These events seldom materialize and you won't spend so much time worrying in the future once you realize this.
• If you find it difficult to get any quiet time, try to arrive at the office 20 minutes before anyone else.
• Set up a tickler file on your computer to automatically remind you of important projects and appointments.

 *These suggestions and tips for time management were compiled by Justin Tyme, a www.com reporter. You may use this article for your own personal or business newsletter, ezine or website as long as you credit Justin Tyme and link to www.ideasandtraining.com.

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