Time management techniques:
a good trick if you can do it.
Use these 9 guidelines for high motivation and success.

This page explains nine "how to" time management techniques, including tips on time management, that will help you manage time wisely and form a vital part in learning time management skills.

Time management techniques - do they work?

Good question. My experience would lead to an answer of, "yes"....and, "no". Sorry about that.

"Yes", if you use them appropriately and consistently; persevere and keep learning; and support them with self management and change, where necessary.

"No", if you use them as you might use a painkiller - pop the pill and it will take the pain away almost instantly.

If you approach time management techniques with this attitude and expectations, you are likely to be very disappointed (and, when you are, you will probably blame the time management systems that you tried - "they didn't work").

WHY?

Well, to quote from our web page on time management tools, most of the time, the problem with time is not time, it is our misuse and abuse of time – and that boils down to:

* how and what we prioritise

* our habits (good and bad) and

* our self discipline and determination.

Time management techniques will provide you with useful tips on time management, and practical aids such as time management forms, to help, but only YOU can do the work needed to implement effective time management activities.

And that motivation starts from within you. Put another way, the essence of the solutions to your time management problems is NOT outside of you.

Having said that, here are 9 well tried and tested guidelines that will boost your motivation and success.


1. know your goals.

How can you control your time usage if you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve?

Put another way, if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there - eventually (after you may have wasted much time, energy, effort, money, motivation etc.).

Use effective goal setting techniques to provide focus and support the effective use of time management techniques.

2. use your goals to establish clear priorities.

Apply the 80/20 rule.

The Pareto principle (also known as the 80-20 rule) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

For example, if you have a CD or DVD collection, the probability is that you don't play them all equally.

You probably play 20% of them 80% of the time.

Or, if you have a wardrobe full of clothes, you probably wear only 20% of them 80% of the time.

Get the idea?

Well, in terms of time management, about 20% of the things you do will yield 80% of your success.

These are the activities you want to prioritise when goal setting and goal getting.

3. keep a time log every so often.

Periodically, check how your time is being used - as a matter of fact, not opinion or memory. Use a time management chart or time management log and keep it simple.

Keep a time log of:
* what you spent your time on

* how long you spent on various activities

* who used up your time (e.g. by interrupting you)

* ideas that may occur to you to stop doing time wasting (or low yield) activities; re-organise when you do things; and modify how you do things.

4. take action to improve .

Compare the facts you time log delivers to your priorities and goals and make changes to improve your use of time.

For example, take action to ensure your time usage matches your:
* “musts” (i.e. top priorities that will deliver the 80%)

* “shoulds” (i.e. once you've done the "musts", only then do the "shoulds"), and

* “coulds” (i.e. if you have any time left)

appropriately by modifying; re-arranging; delegating and eliminating activities.

5. avoid taking on other people's "monkeys".

A "monkey" is a problem or issue that needs attention.

It's amazing how often they get passed to you, using up your valuable time and messing up your priorities, motivation and goal getting.

There are two ways you finish up with some one else's "monkey":

* you take it off them (e.g. because you can do it quicker or it makes you feel good or you're showing off how clever you are.....)

* they give it to you (and you're daft enough to take it. In the workplace this is often described as "upward delegation").

Don’t take on others’ “monkeys”. If someone comes to you with a problem, facilitate or mentor them to solve their own "monkey", but don't do it for them.

6. clarify the "elephants" and the "mice".

That is, the important and the urgent:

* if it’s important AND urgent, do it now

* if it’s important but not urgent, plan when to do it

* if it’s not important but urgent, make a decision and, if you can, delegate it

* if it’s not important AND not urgent, do it later or not at all.

7. model good time managers.

That is, take a look around and identify some one who, in your opinion, is a good time manager and who is using effective time management techniques.

Study them, learn from them, find out what their "secret" is and help yourself to success.

In particular, observe which time management techniques they are using and how.

8. manage interruptions.

Tricky this, but in terms of time management, whenever you can, minimise unnecessary interruptions and use unavoidable interruptions as coaching sessions so that they don't become a habit (for you or the interrupter).

9. ensure stickability and change.

That is:

* show perseverance in applying these time management techniques and don't give up

* know what you want your outcome to be (e.g. set SMART goals)

* know why you want it (and your motivation therefore)

* take positive action to get it (e.g. by overcoming fear)

* know what you’re getting (e.g. through feedback), and, if it’s not working,

* change your approach (again & again) until it does.

The nine time management techniques described above will stand you in very good stead when used appropriately.

Each one can help you to make a difference but their best effects are when they are used in combination.

There is nothing complicated in these time management techniques, the secret of success lies with you and your motivation and stickability.

Time management techniques plus motivation plus goal setting, and willingness to prioritise, leads to success.
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If you wish to explore a sophisticated time management system (in a new window), visit http://www.timworld.com



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