Simple Ways to Manage Your Time Effectively

For some people lists are sacred and they can't imagine life without lists. For some of us lists are more work and more of a burden than a solution. For those who can make lists work for them they can be effective. There is a feeling of instant gratification when you are able to cross the task off of your list.

If you choose to use the list method, set your priorities. Decide what must be done first, second and so forth. By numbering the tasks in order of importance it will be easier to stay on track of what you need to accomplish.

Follow the KISS principle, meaning keep it simple stupid. Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself. If you have large tasks that need to be done, break it down into smaller and more manageable steps.

Plan before you act. If you can plan your errands for one time or day during the week this is the most ideal. However, real life often interferes and doesn't allow for things to go as planned. If at all possible plan your trip of errands. Try to avoid running in circles and wasting gasoline. If you can find a store that carries the same item you saw across town, but is near where you are headed anyway, use this to your advantage.

Organize your personal and business contacts. Don't rely solely on technology. Computers are a huge part of our lives but if and when they crash you won't want to be without your critical information. To have a hardcopy of backup, you can buy a rolodex or a recipe box with index cards and alphabetized dividers. I personally use the recipe box because I can write on the index cards all the information I need for that contact. I can list e-mail addresses, and even attach business cards. This system works really well once you get used to it.

Don't stress out about the time you don't have, think about the time you do have and make the most of it. There are so many things you can accomplish within a few minutes of time. I like to do what I call a quick power clean. This is where I take a few minutes to wipe down and sanitize all the surfaces in the house with Clorox wipes or Lysol spray. If you find that you are watching a lot of television , get up and starting doing a few tasks while watching TV. You will be surprised that after a few times of doing this you will get more done, and watch less TV in the process.