Two weeks ago, I delivered a 6.0 hour time management program for Old Dominion Freight Lines. During my research to customize the training for sales associates, I realized the importance of self-management, because we ALL have 24 hours in a day. What we choose to do with that time is ultimately up to our decisions, focus and priorities. Here are a few AHA’s from the research.
1-Use a daily hourly schedule planner for three days straight to assess time wasters. Journal time wasters that you currently know about: social media, news, worry, procrastination, organizing paper clips, shuffling papers, etc. are a few that come to mind…
2-Block schedule your day and color code for maximum efficiency. To block schedule, be aware of your peak performance times. I’m a morning person and it helps if I perform my most demanding tasks or ones that require a lot of focus before noon. Color coding helps to assess where you are investing your time. For example: Coach MKay Companies: BLUE, Newsletter business: RED, Other Businesses: PURPLE (helping launch Medical Professionals Greensboro and Young Living), Volunteer or Personal Time: YELLOW, Emma Freda: PINK, Harrison: GREEN (My kids) At the end of the week or beginning of the week this helps me assess where I spent my time or where I need to redirect to spend more time in a certain area.
3-Avoid the email trap, text trap and cell phone trap. We can get bogged down in email or looking at texts or answering calls that can wait. Setting boundaries on technology is difficult at times and today I learned how to put a Do Not Disturb on my MacBook Air so that phone calls, alerts and emails don’t interrupt my virtual lunch and learn session.
4-Prioritize tasks A / B / C according to A: Critical to Business B: Routine C: Delegate
5-Create “GET TO DO” Daily Lists. I do this in two columns: Personal and Professional
6-Schedule two yearly retreats to plan, organize, and dream for career and life.
7-Write a vision statement or vision board to reflect on daily that describes how you are functioning at work and home using positive, present tense and purposeful language.
“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.” – Harvey MacKay
How will you use your time differently in 2021 to improve your stress & worry, productivity, relationships, career or overall happiness? Blessings to you and choose to be a catalyst for change in time management and self-management!
