How to start time management

Now I’d like to describe you the situation that, I guess, is typical not only for me but for most people, at least around me. We have some plans in mind, we make to-do-lists, we are eager to complete them within the agreed or appointed time, we need to do them, we know what to do and how to do – but suddenly we are distracted by some other (very often) minor points, lose track of the situation or our previously agreed plan and, as a result, we have only few points completed, if any at all. The whole plan is broken, the list is forgotten. And this can be applicable for all people, no matter whether they are businessmen, entrepreneurs or simple housewives. The day seems to lack hours, the week seems to lack days, etc.

I agree that there are people somewhere who never lose a minute, who are well-organized and concentrated and nothing can make them leave the agreed plan of actions. Let’s help those who are less fortunate. Some people complain that they have started many projects and completed none, which leads to stress, irritation and disappointment. That’s the result of poor time management. Let’s speak about time management and how to <a href="http://www.comindware.com/topics/">manage your time efficiently</a>.

What is time management in general? As I see it (and most people agree with me), time management is setting priorities on what has to be done. There are many things in my life that I am happy to do 24\7 but, unfortunately, sometimes they do not contribute to my goal or even are unnecessary. That’s why, setting priorities is a ‘must-do’. Nowadays there are many various iPhone and Android ‘Get Things Done’ applications. They will help you not to forget about things, avoid procrastination, and organize your day with maximum efficiency.

Every person, especially a housewife, has lots of tasks to perform and things to do before the holiday – shopping, cooking, inviting, celebrating, etc. I guess it’s an excellent opportunity to try time management. 

Start with listing all the activities that have to be done within this period and insert them into your calendar. Don’t forget about various appointments and parties. If something is needed to be done before it, include it in the list. But don’t put it aside till the last minute - things may go wrong and time will be lost. If you can do something in advance, do it – do not procrastinate. I’m sure that at first you will have to re-write the list more than once. That’s great! By the way, don’t forget about some extra time between tasks in case of unexpected things or appointments. Look carefully at the list and mark (prioritize) the tasks that must be done in any case.

And finally, the most important thing – try to stick to this plan and allow deviations only within a short period of time (a day or two). Stay concentrated and go straight to your goal – the beginning of a new life with correct time management!

Author Byline

Hi, my name’s Jannet Sparts and I’m working as an editor of Online Issues. I have worked as a project manager in several companies. So I have tried different PM tools, collaboration programs, including <a href="http://www.comindware.com/tracker/">workflow software</a> and <a href="http://www.comindware.com/solutions/human-resources/">human resource software</a> solutions. For the moment PM software is my primary field of interest.

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