How To Stop Thieving Your Time - Use These Tips For Better Time Management

There are a number of factors contributing to poor time management but the reality is, procrastination is just about the "grand daddy" of them all. But procrastination alone isn't responsible in fact, there are are few things which people do that have a lot to do with the big "P" setting in.

We'll examine ways of eliminating procrastination during this time management article.

No More Time Management Articles!

Time management articles are a great source of information, tips and tricks to beat procrastination but at some stage, you need to start taking stock and putting into practice some of the advice handed out. Why? Because continually reading articles extolling the virtues of better management of your time is one thing; actually doing it is another.

I am hoping this is the last time management article you read for awhile. Make a conscious decision to turn your productivity levels around. You want to succeed but something is holding you back, right? I'm here to tell you it's possibly got more to do with the way your structuring your day.

Ever sat down to work on a big and important project and just before you start, you decide to go and get a coffee. Then as you're walking back to your desk the phone rings. An hour later, it's time to get back to work but before you start, you check your emails. There's one from an expert on making money and you start reading. It's one of those long sales letters so it's another hour later and...

Time Management Strategies

Try utilizing the following action plan for better productivity:

1. Organize a time management mentor. Peer pressure is powerful. By having someone you respect and even fear is a great way to keep tabs on how you are managing your time.

2. Identify procrastination. There are many things we hate to do but must and if these are tied into your livelihood, then it's costing you plenty in regards to your bottomline. This ties in with our first tip so organize a peer mentor right away!

3. Keep a journal of your activities. This will help you identify the important from the unimportant tasks in your current schedule. You'll be able to see at first glance where you are spending unproductive time. You'll also see at just what times of the day you are most productive!

4. Organize your schedule the day before. This is about prioritizing your day. We're not saying the least important tasks shouldn't be completed; you need to list the more urgent and important tasks first. Also, if you are working towards a major goal, then list the actions first which will carry you to your ultimate goal.

Time Management Tip

Pareto's 80/20 rule also applies to time management. Many people are spending 80 per cent of their time on 20 per cent of their problems. This is why it's important to prioritize when it comes to being time effective. Learn to say no if the problem is not life threatening!

Setting Rewards For Yourself

We've covered some important ground in this time management article. Two more things to remember, don't be afraid to set yourself small rewards along the way and don't over commit.

Setting a reward gives you something to work towards during the day. In fact, setting rewards every hour during my writing schedule works perfectly for me. It can be anything you want but within reason and not too time consuming.

Over committing is a bad habit which can be easily "nipped in the bud." Overcommittal leads to stress and eventually procrastination. Don't do it!