Tuesday Time Tips:

January 26, 2010:  Avoid multitasking.  If you are doing two things at once, how well are you really doing either one?  Worst common example of multitasking?  Texting while driving increases your chances of an accident 8X over non-distracted driving.  Even just talking on the phone with a hands-free device increases your chances of an accident 4X, same as drinking and driving!  DON'T TEMPT F8, THAT TEXT CAN W8

January 19, 2010:  Take advantage of my New Year Jump-Start Special Offer by scheduling a Time Management Consultation & a month of Coaching calls for 25% off!  Click here for details:  http://org4life.com/_wsn/page5.html

January 12, 2010:   Do the hardest, or most important, thing first.  Finish that report.  Make that call you've been avoiding.  Pay that bill.  Spend some time on that project that if you worked on it a bit everyday it would give you great satisfaction to have completed.  Everything else will seem easy all day after that.

January 5, 2010:  Try Planner Pad.  Click here to see why it's different: https://plannerpads.com/.  Only $7 to try if you buy one that started last quarter on closeout!  I like the Executive Size Loose Leaf version and use an ordinary 3-ring binder.   Personal Size is easier to carry with you. Comes with a great 20 min. instructional CD.

December 29, 2009:  Pick one calendar/agenda/datebook and use it!  It doesn't matter whether it's electronic or paper.  It's your choice.  Just don't try to remember everything -- write it down!  And don't use different calendars for work and personal.  It's too confusing!

December 22, 2009:  Schedule breaks between activities.  If you are busy every minute of every day, you won't get more done, you will just get stressed out! Give yourself some breathing room, time to literally take a few deep breaths, have a cup of tea, celebrate what you have just accomplished, or prepare yourself for what is coming next.  Also, a cushion of time will come in handy if something goes wrong.

December 15, 2009:  Leave early for appointments. If you allow 20 minutes (or less) for a 20 minute commute, you will worry the whole time, and possibly drive unsafely, and probably arrive late. Who needs that kind of stress? Why not leave 60 minutes early? Use the extra time to read a book, write a thank you card, make a phone call, meditate, or plan your week. Arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to go!

December 8, 2009:  Get Back on Track.  If your routine is disrupted, be it exercise, eating healthy, clutter control, or getting stuff done, don't beat yourself up over it.  And whatever you do don't give up altogether!  If it was working for you before, just start again as soon as you can.  And as many times as it takes.

December 1, 2009:  Apply the 90 Second Rule.  If something needs to be done, and it will only take 90 seconds (+ or -), DO IT NOW! Examples: Clear the dirty dishes after a meal, sort mail into your Action File as soon as you bring it into the house, make that phone call now instead of putting it off, change the burned out light bulb when you first notice it, stop for gas now instead of later.

November 24, 2009:  Make a Not-To-Do List. That's right, NOT to do. Examples: certain time wasters; things others want you to do, but that don't support your own priorities, goals, or values; things you think you "should" do; things that are not important or urgent; tasks you can delegate.

November 17, 2009:  Use an analog clock.  If you tend to lose track of time, and you are using a digital clock or watch, try switching to an old-fashioned analog clock. Place it prominently (on the wall next to your computer?) and it will provide a strong visual reminder of the passage of time.

November 10, 2009:  Pick 5 things a day.  Review your Master To-Do list and pick 5 things you want to accomplish today, including appointments.  If you finish them, great!  You can pick another one if you have time and energy to spare.  But if you always have 20 things on your daily list you will never feel caught up. 

November 3, 2009:  Make a Checklist.  Are there things you do on a regular basis, but you sometimes forget one of them?  Why try to remember everything?  Examples: Morning Routine (great for kids), Weekly (e.g. refill birdfeeders), Monthly (e.g. clean furnace filter), Annual (e.g. medical exams).  Just makes things easier.  Save originals and make copies as needed.

October 20, 2009:  Set an alarm.  Unstructured downtime can be very relaxing and therapeutic, unless you are chronically tired, or late, or unproductive as a result.  Decide how much time you want to spend on your favorite "time waster" before you need to do the next thing (go to sleep, prepare to leave the house, return to work).  Your timer must be handy, easy to use, and the alarm loud enough to get your attention.

October 13, 2009:  Write it down!  Keep a notepad handy for capturing stray thoughts while you are trying to focus on the activity at hand. You may be working, or just trying to relax with your family. This will ensure you won't forget all those other tasks and issues floating around in your head, and will free (de-clutter) your mind, allowing you to "be present with", and fully enjoy, your current chosen activity

October 6, 2009:  Schedule your To-Do's.  It's great to have a list of tasks, but when are you going to do them?  Tasks stand a better chance of getting done if you put them on your calendar.