Time management is the art of handling all your important tasks. A challenge, isn't it? Planning is the primary time management tool to effectively channel your work-flow in advance.
Of course, life carries its surprises. Some are guaranteed to throw plans up in the air. So creating a planning system that promotes flexibility dramatically increases your chances to feel successful at the end of the day. I use what I call segmented planning to meet these daily changes and challenges. This is a simple tool to use, and it allows you to nimbly respond to change as your day progresses. Here's what I suggest:
1. Plan the first part of your day in the morning, or even the night before.
This schedule for Segment 1 of your day can be pretty detailed. For the rest of your day, plan in broader strokes. You'll firm up what you've sketched out later, as the day takes shape.
2. Five minutes to fine-tune, once you're on the scene.
As you enter into your busy day, you get a better idea what will be coming your way. Explore how new developments could affect this next period of time. Taking five minutes or so to adjust your plans accordingly will improve the flow of your morning segment. This is also your opportunity to modify your plan, depending on how energetic and focused you feel.
3. Wrap up the morning with ten minutes to firm up afternoon plans.
Observe how your morning went. Will you have more or less time than you expected to work on projects during the next part of your day? This is the time to add, remove, or tweak the timing on upcoming activities.
4. Schedule a review time for Segment #2.
As you flesh out your plans for Segment #2, set aside a ten-minute review time at the end of it, to take stock. Once you've used the review time to assess what you've accomplished and to identify new developments, revise plans for Segment #3 accordingly.
Continue this way throughout your day. You may find that you need quite a few distinct segments one day, and far fewer the next. But the sequence of steps for each segment will be the same, either way.
5. Validate and modify to keep enthusiasm high.
Planning systems work when they work for you. Provide yourself with plenty of support as you develop the skills to bring just the right balance of flexibility and firmness to the tasks at hand. The more encouragement you give yourself, the greater likelihood that you'll tailor this system to your unique needs and temperament.
Giving yourself several times during the day where you can adjust to changes before moving ahead is a friendly and flexible way to chart your course and hold to it. The more you make it yours, the less resistant you will be to following through on it. I encourage you to give segmented planning a try. You'll like what it does for your day!
To take your next step, sign up for our free gift, "The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!" This time template will help you move beyond overwhelm, disappointment, and frustration. Using a workbook format, with room to record your answers, you will discover that 24 hours really are enough! Offered by Paula Eder, Ph.D. The Time Finder Expert.
About the Author: Paula Eder, an educator/coach, is a recognized authority on finding time. For more than 35 years she has guided individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and professional goals by aligning their time choices with their values.
Known for her integrity, compassion, and problem-solving abilities, Paula also shares her expertise in teleclasses, at state and national conferences, and through articles, e-books, and blogging. A Telephonic Distance Learning Specialist, she teaches graduate students to develop time processes for successfully completing research projects.
Joining the MentorCoach, LLC, ICF-accredited Coach University community in 2002, Paula is also a certified graduate of Dr. Martin Seligman's and Dr. Ben Dean's Vanguard class of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program. Paula maintains her thriving practice and facilitates annual retreats in New Hampshire, where she lives with her husband and beloved animal companions on a working farm.
Author Links:
Blog URL: http://www.thetimefinder.com/
Business URL: http://www.findingtime.net/, http://www.findingtime.net/ezine.html
Personal URL: http://findingtime.net/
Business/Social Networking Links:
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