12 Ways To Manage The Time You Don’t Have

Some days, each of use struggles with the rigors of our work  personal life. We may not feel like we’re ahead of the curve and finding that true balance can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not, here are 12 tips to help you manage the time you don’t have.

Work With A Clean Desk
Keep the clutter in front of you to a minimum and you’ll have a greater focus. Greater focus means greater effectiveness.

Do The Right Thing
Doing the right thing is effectiveness. Doing things right is just efficiency.

If You’re Not Effective, Change The Process
Ask yourself if the way you do things is effective. If not, find a better way. Don’t be afraid to change habits. Be flexible.

Take Lunch, Or Simply Step Away From Things Once In A While
A few minutes away at mid-day is better than a stressed mind at 5:00 p.m.

Don’t Waste Waiting Time
For the inevitable times when you must wait, find ways to put these moments to good use.

Learn To Use Technology
Technology is not a solution, it’s an enabler. Use it to organize, communicate, and record.

Work To Reduce The Number Of ‘Bad’ Interruptions
We all experience them…they add up considerably, steal your focus and are neither effective or efficient.

Find your Power Zone
All of us work best at 110% of our maximum, but all of us have different energy levels. Find your zone that yields the best results. Below 110% fosters procrastination, above 110% fosters stress and errors.

Know What The Desired End Result Must Be!
Always focus on your ultimate objective, concentrating on tangible results. Many people work very hard all day doing little jobs that don’t actually affect the quality of their work.

Handle Each Piece Of Paper Only Once
With each piece of paper you touch, you can either 1) act on it, 2) give it to someone else, 3) file it, or 4) toss it. Decide which is best the first time.

Spend Time Planning
Organization takes time but does yield tangible results. Set aside time early in your day to plan.

Do one more thing before you call it a day
In one year, you’re guaranteed to finish 200 more tasks.

-Christopher Duffy, MAS
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Bag Makers, Inc.