10 Tips for More Effective Time Management

by Rachel Reeves

1.	Record how you currently spend you time to give you an idea of how you can utilize your time more effectively.
2.	Use the time log to help identify what time of the day is your "prime time" so that you can plan those more important tasks around this time.
3.	Plan Your Work. Work Your Plan!
4.	Set a bit of time aside each evening to plan for the next day, you might;
	Check you diary to see what is coming up. Get your things together for that meeting you will be attending, or the presentation you will be giving the next day. Plan what you would like to achieve for the day and allocate times to achieve those items. Think of it this way; that small amount of time you spend this evening will go a long way towards you feeling more in control for tomorrow.
5.	A question to ask yourself when you start something is "Why am I doing this right now". This will help for you to not waste your time, or another persons time. If you are procrastinating then it will help get you back on track.
6.	Minimise the amount of times you handle each piece of paper as much as possible. Try to handle a piece of paper once only.
7.	Don't be afraid to delegate. Delegate wisely and whenever possible. Refocus that time on more important tasks such as planning, brainstorming, goal setting etc. If it is for your own business take into consideration how much extra profit you could be making for your business for every hour you are not dealing with these tasks.
8.	Identify your high-payoff items. By 'high-payoff items' I don't just mean profitable in dollar amounts, I am also referring to growing your relationships and fulfilling your spiritual needs. These are just as important to you, if not more so, as they will ultimately assist you in feeling more fulfilled and happier in life - isn't this what we are all working towards?
9.	Set goals and sub-goals. Make sure you reward yourself for your big achievements. This reward can be through purchasing something you have been saving up to buy, or a vacation, or maybe an extra day off to do something you love. No matter how much you enjoy running your business everyone needs a much deserved RNR (Rest and Relaxation) day every now and again.
10.	Work from a prioritised action list. This can be either an electronic one, or a handwritten priority list. There are plenty of electronic priority lists online and you can usually download a trial version to test whether it works for you.
© 2008 Rachel Reeves, Proactive Admin Services. Rachel boasts 10 years Administrative Support, Financial Services and Executive Support experience. She offers her abilities globally through her Virtual Assistant business, Proactive Admin Services ( www.proactiveadminservices.com ).