by Tycho Vanzo

Created on: April 24, 2008

Everyone benefits from good time management, it relieves stress, increases productivity, and increases your amount of leisure time. When you improve your schedule it will have a serious impact on your future, so don't so don't hold back when making changes. These are no-nonsense tips on time management.

I. Research
I recommend you create a time journal because we rarely spend the time the way we think we do. I don't mean you should do this permanently, but do try it for a week. If you're serious about your time, write down how you spend it in 15-minute blocks. Be brutally honest.

II. Assessment
Categorize your activities in three categories:
1. Things you absolutely have to do (Driving to work, for example)
2. Distractions (Talking on the phone, for example)
3. Goal oriented actions (Activities that lead to the life you want)

Also be brutally honest when putting activities in categories. When you're done you should make a commitment to cut down all distractions. If certain activities are not part of the life you want, and they aren't necessary, then why keep any of them? You may be tempted to hold on to your distractions, but realize these activities take time from your dream activities. When you're done cutting down on the distractions, start cutting down on the mandatory tasks, even if it's just a little, it will save a lot of time in the long run. Take your time to brainstorm and come up with good solutions.

III. Collection
One of the biggest time management problems occurs when people rely on their memory to keep track of their commitments. Keep a notebook with you at all times and write down anything you need to remember

Benefits of this habit:
- You don't forget important commitments
- You don't forget brilliant ideas.
- You don't have to worry about things you know you need to do, but forgot what it is.
- You can keep a clear head
The key to this habit is to have as few places as possible where you keep these notes. The people who do write down everything they need to remember often have notes at so many places that it's hard to keep track of them all.

Don't accept everything. Before you accept a task, find out what the exact expectations are and what you'll need. Doubt anything that could be a waste of time, and firmly say "not available" to anything unnecessary. Also delegate as much as possible to others.

IV. Decision Making
It's no use to write down everything you need to know when you never do anything with these notes. Schedule time specifically to make decisions.

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