by Debbie Robus

Created on: July 20, 2010   Last Updated: July 21, 2010

If you are like many people, you have at some point uttered the phrase ... "I don't know where my time goes."  For many of us, there is more day in the hours than hours in the day.  But what, exactly, are we doing with our time?  Here's how to do a time audit and figure out what is happening to yours.

Utilize a program like Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar.  Or, print out an online calendar in the hourly format for a period of at least one week.

For at least one week, write down what you do in the time slots for each half hour of the day.  You don't have to detail every single thing you do,  but  be fairly specific.  If you spend thirty minutes putting on make-up, brushing your teeth and combing your hair, write that down.  If your thirty minutes includes time spent in the restroom, showering, shaving and dressing for work, note that.  If you spend 10 minutes playing Solitaire on the computer and another 15 checking e-mail ... and another texting your buddy ... note that, also.  Note how long it takes you to eat, prepare or order meals, drive to work, do your homework ... every single activity in your day must be accounted for in some way.

At the end of the week, take a look at your sheets  or calendar and the activities you listed.  Do you see a pattern?  Do you see large periods of time that are being spent on something you consider wasteful ... or you feel others would consider wasteful?  Are you spending time at work on tasks that are not work-related.  Or are you bringing work home with you consistently?

Does it seem like you are spending an inordinate amount of time on specific tasks, like walking the dog, checking e-mail, or preparing meals for your family?  Are you spending more time with one child than you are the rest of the family members... hanging out at the ball field with your son or the dance studio with your daughter?  Is your hobby consuming all of your spare time?   Have you included consistent time for personal exercise and "quiet time?"

You might discover that your time is fairly well spent and that you are maintaining a healthy balance.  But more likely, you will discover areas where you need to evaluate your activities and adjust the time spent on them.  Creating a time audit will help you to determine where you need to make adjustments.  Once you know what areas need to change, you can decide how to proceed. 

A time audit is the first step toward better time management, less stress, and improved relationships.  The exercise itself will take some time and effort.  But in the end, a time audit can be well worth the investment.

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