Think about it: From the moment we wake up to the second we go to sleep, we are making decisions about how we spend our time. I’d like to share with you my secret weapon for making smarter time choices and reducing stress: I ask myself the BEST time management question:

What is the BEST use of my time, right now?

For example, this morning when the alarm went off, I had to decide whether to get out of bed to exercise (which I know will make me feel energized all day) OR hit the snooze button and get a little more sleep (which I felt I could use). Today, I decided to get up and exercise (hence I have energy to write this column!) while other days the answer to question is to hit the snooze button. Both are smart Read More...

Using Your “Rules Wizard” Feature

Microsoft Outlook, a popular email software program used by many companies, contains many time-saving functions, once you know how to use them. (Though you may not be using Outlook, your program may still have similar functionalities.)

Using your Rules Wizard feature (under Tools) to filter and sort incoming mail is like having your own personal assistant opening your paper mail. The verbal instructions you might give to an assistant are similar to the rules you can create using the Rules Wizard. You might want to create rules to:

- auto-file mail from specific senders Read More...

Phones ringing, interruptions for co-workers and emails….the next thing you know an hour has pasted and you have nothing to show for it!  It happens to everyone – losing focus.

For today’s Top Tips Tuesday we have 18 techniques for you to stay on (or even ahead) of schedule.  Please post a comment if you have any other tips on staying focused in a hectic work place.

Be Free!

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1. Write out a daily task list and plan your day.
   There’s nothing like a task list sitting next to you to keep you focused. When you have a list of the things you need to accomplish in a day, having that close to you constantly reminding you of what Read More...

There were so many fantastic comments, over 120 in fact! Thank you for the great participation and for making the Time Management Contest one of our most popular to date!

Your answers represented many valuable aspects of time management from prioritizing, to doing important first, to Covey’s quadrants, to the importance of family and personal time.

Some of your comments about giving tasks A, B, C priorities reminded me of my mom’s weekly plans she made every Sunday growing up (I learned a lot from her!).

All of Read More...

Time Management. What a funny word. In many ways it doesn’t really exist because time continues, we can’t manage it. We can only use it.So, how do we insure that we are using it effectively?

In my experience coaching people, there have been two simple questions that helps to guide people on how to use their time.

I encourage you to write these down. Pull out a piece of paper, right now, and a big marker and write these down and then post it right next to your desk.

#1 Is this the most valuable use of my time right now?

When confronted with that question, it’s usually not a difficult answer. Honestly, you know. You will know if you’re wasting time Read More...

Simplicity allows you to move through life more easily, more quickly and with much greater enjoyment. I learned this through thousands of miles of hiking.

In long distance hiking, the goal is clear – walk from here to there. Your ability to achieve that goal with ease, comfort and safety is dramatically affected by the load you choose to carry.

Many hikers carry gear that is seldom used, contributes little value and mostly just adds weight to their packs. Over time I learned to reduce my pack weight so that everything I need to be safe and comfortable (including food and water) for 5 days weighs about 30 pounds. If I replace some old equipment, I can easily reduce that to 20-25 pounds. I know hikers Read More...

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Those who get more done in less time get more Read More...

I recently received this email from a contact of mine, and a few of his tips really stung. I know I’m guilty of not following these priorities all the time, and I know not doing it doesn’t serve me. I thought I’d pass it on-maybe you’ll get a bit stung, too, but it’s good for you!

A friend and I were talking recently about time management and prioritization. I told him that for me, the key to getting things done is to know the single most important thing I must do that day and to do it first. That way, it is impossible to get to the end of the day and say, “I did not get anything done.”

My friend looked at me and said, “That’s called swallowing the Read More...

Face it, life is hectic. With juggling a professional career, meetings, family obligations, appointments, your kids’ extra curricular activities, trying to live healthy, keeping up-to-date with current with current affairs, we hardly have time to sleep!For this month’s contest, we want to know your advice on how to effectively manage your time.

To enter, simply type you name, email and your answer to this question:

If you were coaching an individual on time management, in your opinion, what is the one concept that they should absolutely know?

Winners will be based on how concise their answer is, applicability and quality of Read More...