Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "make the most of our time." Though we can't add hours to the clock, we can have a plan that will help us make the most of the time we do have. Here's 10 tips to help you get the most out of your time.
1. Keep a "do not do" list.
What you don't do is just as important as what you do. Do what only you can do and say no thanks to everything else. This list should constantly be growing.
2. Focus on being "productive" instead of "busy."
Make a list of things that will enable you to have the biggest impact and spend your time there. It's not how much you get done, it's what you get done.
3. Don't strive for perfection.
Most of the time, 85% is good enough. It's the last 15% that eats up all your time.
4. Spend the best time of your day on your most important task.
Are you a morning person? Focus on your most important task in the morning. Do you do your best work at night? Spend that time on your priority.
5. Have one priority task each day.
You may have several tasks to accomplish each day, but decide what your most important task for the day is and complete it for sure.
6. Tackle one task at a time.
Research shows that multi-tasking can be counter-productive. List your tasks and then knock them out one at a time.
7. Block your time each day.
Allot a specific time for each task. This includes starting and stopping times for meetings.
8. Watch out for people who are time grabbers.
People must be our first priority and I'm not saying don't make time for them...but I am saying be careful with someone who constantly wants to stop by and just "shoot the breeze."
9. Remember energy translates into time.
You can work when you are tired, but you won't get as much done. The temptation is to keep going when you've hit your limit, thinking you will get more done. But in the end, you'll get more done by stopping to rest and refuel.
10. Schedule time to think and plan.
Don't fall into the trap of leaving no margin for thinking and planning. Block time for this just like you would any other task.
11. Have specific times to check your email.
If you check email throughout the day, you will get sidetracked from priority tasks. Block times to check your email and resist the urge to check it all the time.
12. Balance your life.
When you spend all your time working, it will hurt your creativity...and most importantly your personal life and family.
The floor is yours. What other tips do you have for time management? Share with us in the comment section below.