Good Time Management tips

Effective time management can mean all the difference in your general quality of life. For instance, do you get to the end of the day and question where the time went? If so do you find that you're distracted all the way home by the tasks you know you should have finished?

Most people have some kind of experience like to this, but it doesn't have to be the norm. Let's take a look at strategies you can use to make the most of your professional time so you're not taking those tasks around mentally during your personal time.

* Good Time Management Means Getting Organized

Keep A To Do List - Writing it down leaves you free to concentrate on other things. Keep your list in front of you, and allow yourself the satisfaction of marking a task as complete.

Use Checklists - This is a little different from keeping To Do Lists. A checklist tracks tasks that need to be completed on a given project. If you find that you work on the same types of projects repeatedly, consider creating a checklist template for yourself so you can use it over and  again.

Clear Your Clutter - Keep your desk clear. Define a clutter-free condition for your work area. Make sure that you start and end your day with your workspace completed and clear.

Focus Your Attention - Focus your mind and your activities on the task at hand. Finish each task before you move onto the next one.

* Effective Time Management Means Planning Forward

Plan For Tomorrow - Map out what you're going to do tomorrow in front you finish your work today. Allow yourself the time it takes to do this advance activity.

Prepare For Tomorrow's Tasks - Once you've planned the work you need to do tomorrow, make sure you have the materials needed for each task. For example, if you're writing a report, be sure you've identified and accessed your research materials.

Allocate Time For Tasks - Decide forward of time how long you will devote to a specific job. That way as you're working on it, the knowledge that your allocated time is limited will hone your focus and sharpen your mind, allowing you to concentrate more fully on the task at hand.

* Effective Time Management Means Being Punctual

Keep A Calendar - When you make appointments with other people, use scheduling software or a calendar to hold track of these time-bound events. Likewise, since you've taken the time to plan your day, be meticulous in holding to your scheduled tasks. Don't let yourself be distracted.

Apply Task Management Software - One of my favorite tools for time management is a tool called the Focus Master. It lets you to program blocks of your time, including regular breaks, and when the time is up, the software notifies you that it's time to move onto the next task. There is nothing quite as important a having a meter running to keep you on task.

Let the Day Be Done - When you've invested the time you've allowed for your professional tasks, leave them alone until you're ready to get back to them. Be present to your friends and family and all the activities of your individual life.

They say that life is like a sweepstakes: Must be present to win! When you learn to handle your professional time and get the most out of it, all of your minutes, hours and days take on a sweet savor.