It’s something else to actually make the necessary changes. You should realize up front that becoming better at time management will not happen immediately. So approach the process understanding that some setbacks are inevitable. That said, there are some things that you can start doing right away to help you better manage your time and to be more productive during the day.
First, try to discern what you are doing right now with your time. Wait a few days before changing anything. Simply begin making a list of things you do and how long it takes you to do them. Even if you spend two hours perusing the newspaper, jot it down. Create a blueprint to your week. This will give you a blueprint to time management. It is at this point that you can begin figuring out how to change what is necessary to change.
Make out a blueprint for your day, week, month. Take time out of your day for scheduled breaks, returning emails and weekly conference calls. You will be more able to get into good habits with a structured schedule that you can abide by. Training yourself to be productive during specific times of the day is easier this way. You will need to become diligent in your task management. Your schedule will soon become second nature.
Draw up a schedule for yourself. This schedule does not need to be written out down to the minute. Just make sure to schedule blocks of time for working, blocks of time for breaks and meals, etc. You are more able to keep a schedule that allows you time for a break. You can make the schedule as detailed as you like, but a word of warning: the more detailed your schedule, the more stressed out it will make you. For some scheduling time down to the minute is great. However that is a tough schedule to keep. Over exerting yourself is not a good idea. Time management skills can be acquired by anyone. Just remember, it’s something that takes some patience and commitment. Developing new habits can be difficult, especially if the habits already in place are bad. Dropping old ways and developing new ones may take time and effort. Be patient and allow yourself room to make mistakes and to take backward steps every once in a while. Eventually you’ll feel like a time management genius and staying on task will simply feel like something natural.
