Tips on Time Management
Get an organized life

Some of the best tips on time management are about getting organized.  This doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think.  In fact, once you start to implement a few simple tips for time management, it won’t take long before these techniques start to become second nature and easy to use.  While you might have some difficulty initially implementing these tips on time management, the time and effort you put into mastering them will certainly be worthwhile.

Creating Task Lists

One of the most effective tips on time management methods is creating a task list.  I'd guess that when you think of tips on time management the concept of creating a task list isn’t new.  If it is, don't worry it's fully explained.

All sorts of people from doctors to business people, from housewives to sports people, are creating lists of things that need to get done.  On the back of an envelope, on a scrap of paper, task lists are everywhere.  However you might have noticed that despite the number of lists people have, they still don't feel in control.

The trick to getting your task list to work is to be highly organized in your approach.  To get the benefits you need to prioritise the items you place on the list, cull out the items that have been hanging around and regularly check your list to make certain you are on track.

When creating your task list, you should categorize the tasks in one of four different categories.

If the task can be completed quickly place it on the Do Now list.

If it'll take a bit of time put it on the Do Later list.

If you don't really know what to do place it on the Perhaps Never list.

If it'll take a few tasks to complete the overall task stick it in the Projects list.

It's easy to imagine that creating the initial list will hard work.  Don't worry it'll be fine.  You just need to get stuck in and write down every task you can possibly think of.  You'll find after an initial 10 minutes of continuous writing that suddenly things slow down.  10 minutes after that you'll be searching for things to add.

Fill In Lists Now!

Two tips on time management for task lists.  First, when creating your task list, create a timescale for the completion of each task.  Secondly avoid building more than one page of tasks per list.  The first time you do this it'll seem too hard.  Don't worry.  Just go to a second page.  Once you get used to the system you'll be happy to fill only one page.

You can see a sample Task list above.  I've filled in some tasks.  You can see that since this is a DO NOW list that I've put the complete date as TODAY.  I've also marked a couple of the tasks as complete by using a GREEN for GO tick.

Free Sample Lists

One of my tips on time management is to have the four lists in separate background colours so that it's easy to identify which list is which at a glance.  I've included some free blank sample forms for you to print out.

Just click on tips on time management and a new window or tab will open (depending on your browser settings) with the free forms.  You can either print the forms or save them for using later.

Now you have your task lists you need to build yourself a system that's going to let you keep them up to date.  You need to consider what you'll do day to day and how to incorporate the task lists into your daily life.

Tips on time management are only useful if you can work them into your daily life.  So with task lists there is little point in making the effort to create them if you aren't going to use them day to day.  If you're nor sure then start small with just one list and then build up to the others.

Build a Routine

To incorporate the lists into your daily routine you need to decide where you are most likely to see the list.  I have my DO NOW and DO LATER lists together on my desk top.  In fact I use them as a mouse mat because I then see what I need to do all the time.  However for you it might be having the list in a schedule or on the fridge or in the car.  Put the list where you'll see it a lot.

The PERHAPS NEVER and PROJECT lists can go somewhere that you might only see them once a day.  These aren't lists you need to review a lot so don't worry if you don't read it every day.

Reviewing your DO NOW and DO LATER lists daily should be your main goal.  Reviewing them is pretty simple.  Sit down for 10 minutes each day and simple go through and add or score out tasks that are completed or new.

List Replaacement

I recommend that you completely replace your list once every week.  I think it's great to have a list with items ticked off or scored out.  It gives great visual impact and lets you know you've been getting through your lists.  However you also want to make yourself realise that every week is a new week.  This helps your motivation especially if you had a poor week of clearing out tasks.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the tasks you have to do. By creating a task and by getting organized you can take control of your time and reduce the amount of stress you feel.  Often, simply writing down the things you need to do can help you feel a little less stress because you no longer have to let the task weigh so heavily on your mind.  In addition, being able to see the task written in front of you can serve as a great motivator to get the job done and finally cross it off your list.  With the help of these tips on time management, you will be sure to finally get the tasks done and to enjoy a far less stressful life.