An extract from the section on Time Management
The 4 D’s of Time Management
Delete – if it is not needed any longer, delete it
Do It – take action; don’t put it somewhere to tackle later
Diarise – always have a prioritised daily action plan
Delegate – if someone else can do the task, delegate it
Time management – a misnomer
We don’t manage time. It ticks on by whether we do anything or not. What we do manage is ourselves and the decisions about how we use our time. This self management is the act of controlling relevant events by maximising time and skills to achieve worthwhile goals.
Do any of the following apply to you?
• rushing around all day but achieving little
• putting things off – I’ll do it later
• difficulty in making decisions
• reluctance to tackle unpleasant tasks
• missing deadlines
• insufficient time for rest/leisure
• poor relationships with workmates/friends/family/partner
• a sense of being overwhelmed by work demands
• daily frustration and job dissatisfaction
• a constant feeling of not being in control
If several do, then it is time to start managing your time better. The benefits will include:
• increased job satisfaction
• a sense of being in control
• improved relationships
• more time for leisure and self care
Time Management Myths:
Don’t start trying to manage your time using these common time management mistakes:
• I’ll do the urgent jobs first, then the most difficult
• Don’t give me a deadline - it only adds unnecessary pressure
• I’ll tackle the tasks as they crop up
• I’m not worried about working long hours - it shows commitment
• there is no need to write down tasks, I’ll remember
So where should we start?
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