Strategic Leadership: Time Management ~ New Years Resolution
Strategic Leadership: Time Management ~ New Years Resolution
Everyone has 24 hours to each and every day, so how come some manage to do more with their time than others?
The secret is simpler than you realize. Eliminating distractions that is the greatest challenge. The truth is that everyone is challenged by managing their time. It isn’t easy to juggle all your commitments. Everyone has their own challenges, be it business, or personal. Simply make an effort to change, and follow these simple tips, and you will immediately see a difference in your productivity!
Your priorities are in two areas; business and personal. Unfortunately, your personal priorities can change at a moments notice and impact your daily plans, so expect this, and if possible make allowances and plan ahead. It also helps your stress levels.
You will find that your priorities fall into two distinct zones, immediate and accumulating. Anything outside this is not a priority. These other tasks are adaptable, in that you can fit them in around your priorities whenever it suits them.
Don’t rely on your memory. It’s too easy, again, to be distracted and forget. Carry a small hardback notebook, or Personal Digital Assistance, and make notes of any ideas or thoughts of importance before you forget. How many times have you said, “I remember thinking I had to … but it slipped my mind.”
Each evening before you go to bed, empty your mind and spend a few minutes writing down and going over what you put in your notebook.
Now here’s the secret – prioritize everything, and do your absolute best to dispose of your top priorities the following day. Identify your accumulating priorities, and try to do something with them the following day, even if it is only a small amount of time. For example, if you are a one person operation, spend 5 minutes updating your accounts, rather than leaving them to turn into a top priority which requires days of addressing. Do this each night, and I guarantee you will sleep easier.
If you can, break down your tasks into areas, or modules, and delegate, or out-source if you can.
Schedule at least one 30 – 45 minute break somewhere in your daily schedule, above and beyond timeout for meals. Use this space for emergency rescheduling of appointments, working on your flexi-tasks, or as a stress buster break if you need it. If your child is unwell going to school, perhaps that emergency break should be before noon that day.
1. Eliminate distractions,
2. Prioritize everything, and
3. Plan for the unexpected. Time management is not easy, but it is relatively simple to take steps to make your day more enjoyable and productive.
I hope these tips will help you be a more “Strategic Leader”
Jeff Compton | The REAL DEAL in Leadership Development
About The Author
Jeff Compton
Jeff Compton is a successful business leader, speaker, and author of several books. He is CEO and the Creative Director of Third Dimension Group Inc., a consulting and training firm. Jeff is also traveling faculty for Park University teaching courses in Psychology and Business, and the Regional VP for Certified Coaches Federation responsible for training and certification of Life & Executive Coaches. He developed DRIV ® Strategies in Communication & Motivation. Since 1990 Jeff has traveled the country speaking to thousands on a vast array of subjects including, marketing, motivation, image, goal setting, design and publishing. Jeff and his family resided in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
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