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Greetings!
Time is one commodity that cannot be created, only managed. Making better use of time is a skill that we can all learn.
"I wish I had more time," is something we hear at work and home. We'd like to have more time to do the work that is important, the big projects, all the while our time seems to disappear. The end of the day arrives and we wonder what we've accomplished. 
I'd love to give you more time but we are all given the same 24 hours in a day. It is the one resource that does not discriminate. I can give you tips to make the most of your day.
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 Work on What's Important
In his book First Things First, Stephen Covey describes a framework for prioritizing work that is aimed at long-term goals, at the expense of tasks that appear to be urgent, but are in fact less important.
Focus on items in quadrant II that are non-urgent but important. These are the ones we are likely to neglect; but, should focus on to achieve effectiveness.
Commit to Trying Something New
Here are some tips to help you manage your time more effectively. Try 1-2 for the next week and see how it goes
- Do a time audit - write down how you spend your time from waking to sleeping everyday for two weeks afterward, examine where you are wasting time
- Don't check email first thing in the morning - get some work done and then check it
- Check email only 3 times per day - turn it off so you aren't interrupted
- Don't write an email when a phone call would be faster
- Know your time for peak efficiency and block time in your calendar to get work done at that time
- Delegate
- Use the same planner for home and office.
- Schedule time for family events as well as work
- Prioritize and re-prioritize regularly
- Learn to say no
- Make and use lists - use spiral bound notebook or electronic device not stickies or scrap paper- you are less likely to lose them
- Practice punctuality
Put your personal and business goals in writing - make them
SMART:
Specific: What, use an action verb to describe behavior or to specify an outcome
Measurable: Quantify with numbers
Achievable/Attainable/: Can it be done? Do you have control over it?
Realistic/Relevant: What part of your business does it relate to?
Time Bound: Give it a deadline
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Need More Help with Time Management?
Contact Pro Way Development for cost-effective programs on time management as well as to hire, develop, communicate and motivate your staff the right ways to build skills and reduce liability.
Laura Jacob
Visit us on
 
(203) 961-0227
laura@prowaydevelopment.com
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in Human Resources and a 6 Sigma Greenbelt. 