People running apparently have no idea where they are going. This is typical of big cities like Manhattan. Tourists often wonder: “Where is everyone going?” “Why is everyone in such a hurry?” Everything is for time. Someone is late for lunch or returns to work after lunch or is going to miss the train or bus home or is late for dinner or an appointment. Rarely does anyone stop to think about the amount of time wasted worrying about time. Proper planning is the key to saving time, but realizing this has somehow eluded us. These brief but important time management techniques, when put into practice, can produce positive results.
Prepare in advance
Make a daily list of things that need to be done, appointments that need to be kept, etc.
Prioritize your list
When creating your daily to-do list, start with the most important tasks first and end with the least important task for the day.
To be on time
Plan ahead for traffic delays and phone call interruptions. Please leave an hour or so before your scheduled appointment time, giving you plenty of time to get to your destination, even if something unexpected happens.
“Don’t worry about the little things.”
Perfectionism has no place in effective time management. Take, for example, if you have an important engagement, wedding or other function to attend; do not waste time thinking about minor things, this will make you late. Maybe you’re expecting company for the holidays, don’t panic because your kitchen floor isn’t spotless. No one cares or will probably notice except you. Your guests, be they friends or family, are coming to your home to see you, not your kitchen floor.
It’s okay to say, “Sorry, I can’t.”
You are a great worker; you are very efficient and you are always there when your boss needs you. So what happens when your boss asks you to stay an hour longer but he has an appointment scheduled to pick up his kids that particular day? What does he do? You feel torn and afraid to upset your boss if you say you can’t. Stop! It’s time to think about you. Just say, “Sorry, I can’t today.” If you’ve been a good worker and are honest with your boss about why you can’t stay, there’s no reason to feel guilty and hopefully he/she will admire your honesty and understand.
Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Procrastination is a real time thief. Know that if you have something scheduled for a particular time, please do so. If you need a push, set a reminder on your phone or an alarm that tells you it’s time to do what you’ve scheduled.
Time is important to each and every one of us. It should not be wasted but we should make the most of our time by being prepared for our daily routines, our work and our family responsibilities. It is a basic and important component in the way we conduct our lives not only when it comes to work but also in our personal free time.