Effective Time Management Strategies for Personal and Professional Use

Written by: Darren Bocksnick © 2011

“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
- John F. Kennedy

Intro: Time is the binding tie that unites us all to both, the limitations and possibilities innate within our present physical condition. Since time is measured in moments, how we make use of the moments is what determines whether the time we were allotted was time well spent, or time ill-wasted. While this subject holds merit and is practical in all that we do, we are focusing on how implementing effective time management strategies can enable us to get more accomplished in a much more efficient manner.

“Time cannot be found to complete a task, neither can it bemade; it can only be harnessed so make sure to hold it firmly and use it wisely lest it slip away…” Darren Bocksnick

Time Measurements: For our purposes here, our most basic measurement of time at the workplace is the typical 8-hour shifts in which we work. What happens within this 8-hour period is largely dependent upon us. Similarly, what doesn’t happen within this 8-hour period is also largely dependent upon our ability to make good use of the time we’ve been given to do what we must.

Time Management Strategy # 1: Maximize Every Moment- If we are all given the same amount of time in essence, how is it then that some tend to get more done than others? It all has to do with effective time management. If time is measured in moments; it is within our best interest to make every moment count and maximize them for getting the most out of our day.

• Maximize the most out of every call: (overcome issues, build rapport, follow up)
• Maximize the most out of each transaction: (Completion before finalization)
• Maximize the most out of your day: (Stay focused, on target and in forward motion)

Kaizen: A Japanese ideology that means “continuous improvement”. There are always to improve in how we manage our time.

Time Management Strategy # 2: Prioritize Every Day- We must learn to master the art of multi-tasking and also know how to establish priorities. Compartmentalize your responsibilities to accent the days’ worth of priorities. Some items deserve prioritization over others; it’s up to us on determining which items we should focus on first.

• Prioritize which action item on your list of multi-task items needs immediate attention
• Prioritize which component has the most impact on your paycheck and adjust accordingly
• Prioritize which habit, strategy or M.O. you need to change to bring about improvement

Time Management Strategy # 3: Minimize Distractions- We are in a constant battle to maintain focus because at any given moment there are a myriad of distractions all vying for our attention. Distraction in the work place is one of the leading causes of inefficiency and a non-productive work environment. Studies have shown this can range from employees, job stress, Internet usage and other similar factors. Rather than allow distraction to deter us from accomplishing the day’s objectives, we should conduct our affairs as though on a mission. Much like a soldier is commissioned to carry out an objective; there remains only the success or the failure to carry out the mission. Everything else in between is but a distraction. Here are a few tips on how to minimize distractions.

• Minimize distraction by adhering to your daily goals, timelines and schedules
• Minimize distraction by keeping work life separate from personal life if at all possible
• Minimize distraction by focusing on your purpose- providing for your family and needs

Time Management Strategy # 4: Optimize Every Opportunity- To optimize every opportunity means to extrapolate the most out of the resources made available to us and in doing so, achieve the best, possible results. While opportunities are abundant and ever before us, this idealistic situation is equally an attitude and state of being as it is an actual, physical scenario playing out before us. In other words, where some will find opportunity in every possible scenario, others will only see challenges, issues and setbacks. Therefore, the mindset has to be properly aligned before opportunity can truly ensue. Here are few strategies on how to accomplish this.

• Optimize every opportunity in building mutually beneficial relationships with your clients
• Optimize every opportunity in solidifying the value of your products/services to      increase profitability
• Optimize every opportunity in achieving your daily goals and thereby contribute to your ongoing success

Time Management Strategy # 5: Visualize your Success- One of the basic, most fundamental strategies for achieving success as taught by life coaches, business trainers and motivational speakers everywhere is for every individual who embarks upon the success journey to create a “vision board” or “success chart” of sorts to map out their goals and implement a strategy on how to achieve them. This chart or map makes it possible for them to establish distinctive steps on how to reach the personal successtination they have set out to reach. Though the steps, criteria and the implementation of such a plan are integral in helping someone to reach their goals, it is the actual visualization of this map/chart/board that empowers the success-seeker in achieving them. In relation to what we do, here are a few steps for helping us implement this effective time management strategy.

• Visualize your Success in managing your “business” as if it was your business.
• Visualize your Success in managing your time as if you own it- you are to blame or praise for success or not
• Visualize your Success in managing your minutes and moments, knowing they lead up to a day, week, and year.

Doing the above, will empower you to be better at managing your time and lead to ultimate success!  For to look back in regret at moments lost or opportunities missed is the ultimate kind of failure.  However, to ponder in retrospect at the goals one accomplished and the dreams that were made possible through effective time management is success of the highest caliber- enjoyed at the fullest and lived without regret.