Time Management Techniques

Time Management Techniques: Time-stealers

Clutter management is a real time-stealer. We don't want to manage clutter; we want to get rid of it! Reduce what you own by decluttering and you will reduce the amount of time it takes to clean, tend to, move around, and wade through stuff.



Another time-stealer is the computer. With all the information, videos, and social media, it is very easy to get lost in the online world and waste away the day.

Many of us can easily spend too much time offline on the computer as well. We have to be careful that even good things don't take up more time each day than they ought to and overshadow larger priorities.

To make a difference, keep your goals in mind. Plan what you want to get done today and remind yourself while you're on the computer what is going to help you to reach your goals.

If you are building an internet business, you need to remember that the potential of your business and speed of your success depends on how quickly you complete necessary tasks.

Even if you don't have an online business as a reason for being on the computer, you may have a family, home, or something that needs attention or maintenance. Make sure you do not neglect daily priorities.

Let's say you have a lot of time to spend on the computer. Your health may be negatively affected by extended periods of inactivity.

Time Management Techniques: Computer

  • Stay on track and say no to long, online distractions.

  • Replace your computer chair with an exercise ball. You burn many more calories and gently keep core muscles in use. When I use the exercise ball, I naturally tend to move around more. It gives new meaning to "getting on the ball".

  • If you have children at home, let their interruptions and needs pull you away from the computer. I know it can be frustrating to be interrupted, but see it as an opportunity to get up and move around, and more importantly, to connect with your family.

  • Use a timer to help you get certain tasks done throughout the day. It can be easy to work or play online right through the time you should be preparing for supper or getting ready to go somewhere.

  • Do some chores before you get on the computer.

  • Take time to make healthy snacks and don't forget to eat and drink plenty of clean water.

    • Time Management Techniques: Overcoming Procrastination

    Overcome procrastination and change your license plate from FSHNBLY-L8 to ALWSONTYM

    No one of us flawlessly avoids procrastination all the time. Part of giving ourselves a break is letting some things go in order to participate in more important or pressing matters such as a period of overdue relaxation or time with family.

    Feeling in control of our lives means maintaining a balance of staying on top of responsibilities and not living for the mundane, routine tasks.

    One very important area of my life that needed attention was being prepared for upcoming events; both routine and occasional. This takes discipline and planning. But it's so worth it. The feeling you get from being ready, especially far in advance, is wonderful!

    Time Management Techniques: Benefits of no putting off assignments

    If you have one week to do an assignment, start ASAP and keep a steady pace as if you don't have time to coast. Getting it done with time to spare not only keeps you one step ahead, it allows time for unexpected occurrences and once you're done, you don't have to think about it!

    You have to do it anyway... If you do it later, it will fester on your mind until you do it at the end. If you do it sooner, you can get it off your mind and enjoy the rest of your time without the added mind clutter.

    Don't just try to be ready on time, be ready early. I will always remember what my Junior High athletics coach told me, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. And, if you're late, you're in trouble."

    This can take some time to work out, but with some planning, you can be the one, or family, who is typically early or on time instead of running late and ill-prepared.

    Time Management Techniques: Motivation

    We know what we are supposed to do and not do. We are not supposed to stay up too late, not sleep in too late, not drag our heels, not spend the time playing around that we are supposed to be spending working or getting ready... But what's our motivation?

    The consequences are my motivation. I'm a cause and effect kind of person. I know that if I do this or that, what types of outcomes I can expect. If I think about the outcomes and how, if at all, they will affect other people, I am easily motivated.

    Think about the type of legacy you want to live out each day. If people are counting on you, don't let them down. Don't over-commit, but have integrity when you do commit.

    It's not good to be overly self conscious, but being mindful and wanting to give other people a good experience can be good motivators. When I have company at my home, I try to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere where they can feel comfortable, served, and refreshed.

    I plan my time and work accordingly the hours and days before so we can all enjoy the occasion. Read these tips on how to have stress free holidays (or any days) and be a good host/hostess. Also, How to get motivated to declutter.

    Time Management Techniques: Priorities

    You will do what you really want to do. Your priorities are revealed in the quality of your housekeeping, how you spend your money, and what you do with your time.

    Your habits are screaming! What do you want them to say about you?

    What they're screaming now may help motivate you to make some changes!

    Getting It Together

    There were a few years while my husband and I were dealing with changes that my stress and anxiety soared and I was very dissatisfied with my lack of organization and time management. I really wanted to do better, but I felt stuck and out of control.

    That's why I believe that if you are going to attempt to use time management techniques, you also need to know how to organize your life in other areas by incorporating stress management techniques, home organization tips, money management tips, and good parenting skills, etc. Once I gained skills in other areas, I could think more clearly to be able to manage my time.

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