6 Simple Time Management Tips

The Overwhelming Need for Organization

In today's fast-paced world, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. In the United States alone, approximately 150,000 books and 10,000 periodicals are published each year, not to mention the endless stream of online content. This information overload can make it challenging to stay organized.

Eye-Opening Statistics

A survey conducted by Franklin Covey Co. involving 600 adults revealed some startling insights:

• 42% of adults feel like their life is a treadmill they can't get off.
• 78% wish they had more time to "stop and smell the roses."
• 58% believe technological advances have given them more time, yet they continue to use old habits with new technology.
• 81% consider themselves organized, but 83% still aim to get more organized.

(Source: Franklin Covey Co.)

The Law of the Slight Edge

Consider the Law of the Slight Edge: by using your time more effectively for just one hour a day, you can gain an additional 45 eight-hour days per year. That's 1.5 months of extra time! According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, professionals spend about 45 days each year looking for misplaced items. Imagine what you could achieve with that reclaimed time.

Six Painless Tips for Better Time Management

Here are six straightforward tips to help you manage your time more effectively and reduce the hours spent searching for things:

1. Store Items Where You'd Look for Them

When storing paper, possessions, or electronic files, ask yourself, "Where would I look for this?" rather than "Where should I put this?" The goal is to make finding things quick and effortless.

2. Carry a Folder of Articles

Keep a folder of articles with you to make good use of small amounts of time otherwise spent waiting. This can help you tackle your reading pile more efficiently.

3. Create a Mini-Agenda for Phone Calls

A planned phone call averages seven minutes, while an unplanned one averages ten minutes. Creating a mini-agenda can help you maximize your phone time.

4. Set Time Limits on Tasks

Setting a time limit on your involvement in a task can make it seem less boring or overwhelming. Knowing you'll stop at a certain time can help you stay focused.

5. Make Notes While Sorting

As you sort through any pile, make notes to yourself for details that come up. You can then address these notes one at a time later, giving each the attention it deserves.

6. Use a Spiral Notebook

Capture random ideas, to-do lists, and notes from phone conversations in a spiral notebook. This creates a reliable and consistent method for storing information, far superior to the back of an envelope.

Conclusion

Implementing even one of these tips can help you reclaim significant amounts of time, allowing you to spend it in more pleasurable and satisfying ways. The choice is yours.

© Susan W. Miller, 2002 All Rights Reserved

Sources:

• Franklin Covey Co.
• National Association of Professional Organizers

By adopting these simple yet effective strategies, you can transform your daily routine and make the most of your time.