Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros with her blog about time management.

In order to make the most out of your time, you need to take matters into your own hands. You make time for the things you have to do. What you do with the rest of your day and the quality of your actions is the question.

Make a schedule

Create a schedule for your day and stick to it. Put everything in there, including breaks and driving time. Write everything down. Cross things off as you do them and you can track your progress.

Get rid of distractions

You might have to put down the cellphone and ignore texts to get the job done. You can put your phone on vibrate so calls won’t interrupt you. Kids and pets should be entertained elsewhere (or have someone else watch them) if you have something you need to accomplish.

Live in the present

Don’t do it tomorrow, do it now. Avoid allowing things to pile up and instead, take care of things when they need to be done. Clean up the kitchen after you make dinner. Put laundry away when you take it out of the dryer. Instead of kicking off your shoes when you come in the door and leaving them, put them away.

Prioritize 

Some people like to do the easiest things first to get the ball rolling. You might decide to “Eat that frog.” This method was a big hit for Brian Tracy (from an idea created by Mark Twain) Do your least favorite and biggest task first and the rest is downhill from there. The rest of your day will be a breeze. 

Say no!

Don’t take on more than you can handle. Sometimes it’s hard to say no when someone asks you for a favor. You figure it won’t take too much time. If you don’t have enough time to get everything done without a new, added responsibility, just say no. Don’t worry about people getting mad at you. Consider your own obligations and what you need to do. When you finish those things, you can take on favors for other people.

Take breaks

Taking a break can have an energizing effect. A quick cup of coffee on the patio while you listen to the birds can make all of the difference in the world. Time your break and go back to the job at hand when the timer goes off.

You don’t have to be perfect

No one is perfect. Do your best and be happy with what you accomplish. Doing something is much better than doing nothing.

Don’t overbook yourself

Remember that you need to take a breath between tasks. When you add something to your calendar, make sure to leave buffer time for a break, driving time, walking the dog or even lunch.

Do similar tasks together or do them in batches

Read all emails and answer them at the same time instead of doing a couple at a time at various times throughout the day. It’s easier to keep going when you’re on a roll. Give yourself one time a day to do these tasks and don’t do them except for during that time. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Do your best to stick to it.

Be accountable

Keep the commitments you make to people. When you are responsible for things, you become accountable to someone. Ask for feedback when you finish the task.

In conclusion, make the most of your time by following these theories. If you feel overwhelmed and need help, contact me and we will talk about what will work for you.

Are you buying or selling your home? Contact Gigi today!
Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.