What are your regular habits? Why do you do things that way? Is it working for you? When are you going to change the things you KNOW you need the change? Do you know what you need to change?
Have you ever completed a "time log". A log of your daily actions and activities for a specified time period -- a week. You log your activities and the time it takes you to complete them. From brushing your teeth, driving to and from work, walking the dog, eating dinner ... everything you do or are involved with.
You may find that you are spend more time on getting ready in the morning than you thought. [Set clothes out the night before; gather what you need for the office the next day the evening before; perhaps you can iron your clothes the night before; leave your brief case, keys, lunch bag in a designated area - just taking your lunch out of the refrigerator as you are leaving.]
Are your activities consistent with your goals? If you are stressed, just can't get caught up or overwhelmed - a time log of 2 weeks maybe a big help as to how your time is spent or stolen from you (interrupters).
At the office or even working from home - what are your initial steps? Do you review your meetings or Clients you are meeting for the day - making sure your have everything you need for each appointment. Do you check for the reports that maybe needed in your office? Have you received the input you requested so you can prepare your report on time and not be rushed. Are there areas/tasks that you can delegate to an employee or a Virtual Assistant?
Are you losing time in checking email and the various social networks - first thing. [BIG TIME EATER] Do you have a process or plan in place for the email - to delete, to answer or to place in a folder because you need to gather additional in order to answer? Are you only checking twice a day?
Examine work procedures - are they still relevant? Can procedures be eliminated or simplified? Talk with those who are charged with using these procedures everyday - get their input for improvement, revision or elimination.
An immediate help of "more time" - Turn-off distractions: TV, radio, smart-phones, even IM capability. Do what you have to do first ... clear headed!! Set definite times to check email and social network sites - put those time in your signature block. ['I check email at 10 AM and 3 PM daily, if you need a quicker response - please call'.] --please be sure to adhere to these time. You should not be 'connected' 24/7. You need quiet time to collect your thoughts and plan your activities.
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