Do you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? Are you tired of feeling rushed and frazzled?
Better time management can make you feel as though there actually are enough hours in the day to get everything done and better time management can leave you feeling refreshed -- less rushed, less frazzled, less stressed.
What Is Time Management?
Time management is an executive function. This does not mean it's something only used by white-collar businessmen or executives; an executive function is a skill that utilizes multiple cognitive functions.
The first step to improving your time management ability is to keep a time journal.
Why Keep a Time Journal?
Keeping a time journal allows you to monitor how you are currently spending your time. Many people underestimate the amount of time spent watching television and overestimate the amount of time spent shopping for an preparing food.
Having an accurate picture of how you currently spend your time will allow you to examine tasks that can be made more efficient to create more time for the high priority things like sleep and time with family.
How Long Should I Keep a Time Journal For?
You should maintain a time journal for one week if you have a somewhat routine schedule and for two weeks if your schedule is less predictable such as the schedule of a courier, performer, freelancer, or independent contractor.
How Do I Keep a Time Journal?
Time journals should be kept the old fashioned way: with pencil (or pen) and paper. A small notepad or index card suffices for most people.
If you have a planner divided into quarter hour increments now would be a great time to use it, but make sure you're making note of what you're actually doing and not just what you're scheduled to be doing.
Electronic time journals should be avoided, as this can easily become too complex and difficult to use. There are also some situations where using a PDA or SmartPhone may be inappropriate, such as at a gym or an important meeting. In both of these situations a small notepad, index card, or piece of paper can easily be updated with a brief description or keyword indicating what you're currently doing, as well as either an approximate time for the task or a starting time and ending time.
Some people feel they cannot keep a time journal unless it's the perfect form and format, or that they must record everything to the exact minute -- do not fall victim to these traps! Keep your time journal on anything that will conveniently and easily fit in your pocket, briefcase, or purse. Estimate activities and tasks in fifteen minute increments. Your time journal should show you how your basically spending your time on a daily and weekly basis.
Without the information contained in an honest time journal, it is difficult to improve time management skills.
Tracey Carter - Tracey holds a B.A. in English from Hood College and is an avid reader, educator, blogger, and aspiring librarian.
