Time Management: Success comes from getting things done. Successful people use their time effectively to accomplish more. ~ www.jaywren.com
Big Projects and Time Management
When going through lengthy periods with big projects, I sometimes forget to set a daily schedule. Deadlines come at me quickly. The most pressing tasks take priority over everything else.
But not keeping a schedule on busy days is a mistake. I overlook small things that are still critical to overall success. Furthermore, I let the demands of a big project become a flurry of activity that can take me off daily tasks that are critical to the project.
Returning to Time Management
When I stop keeping a schedule, my days become less productive. I wander off task.
I check my email. Then, I check online for messages. Next, I click around a couple of websites to stimulate my thinking for new projects. Even though I have been very busy, I accomplish little or nothing.
Daily Schedule: Activities with Objectives
I schedule an activity. Then I add what I plan to accomplish. I learned this lesson at Procter & Gamble. I not only scheduled my sales appointments. I list what I must accomplish during those appointments.
Scheduling an activity and a list of objectives is effective with personal matters. For example, I have a doctor’s appointment on my schedule. I add the things I need to discuss with the doctor during my visit. My visit is more effective as I cover all the tasks I have for the doctor.
For me, there are several benefits to including objectives to my list of things to do.
- I don’t overlook important issue.
- Stating objectives is stimulates creativity. I awaken my mind to more opportunities.
- Each day, I accomplish more. Over the years, these accomplishments create greater success.
- I do one thing at a time.
Status Board
As I complete tasks, I mark them completed. At the end of the day, I review the schedule for tasks to reschedule.
My schedule is a status board of tasks done and not done. I know which tasks I can put out of my mind. Furthermore, I have the confidence of knowing that I will continue to stay on tasks the following day.
