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Time management
involves techniques used to manage one’s time to accomplish specific tasks, goals and projects. This includes planning, setting goals, analysis of how one’s time is spent, monitoring, organizing, scheduling and prioritizing. Time management is not just for business, but also personal activities. Goals are often broken down into projects, an action plan or a task list. Some people rely on lists for time management. Some professionals recommend daily, weekly and monthly lists as a way to effectively manage one’s time for various projects. A “task list” is simply a “to do” list of things to be completed, such as chores, etc. There is computer software designed specifically for keeping task lists, or, of course, it can be done simply with paper and pen.
Writer Julie Morgenstern suggests "do's and don'ts" of time management that include:
Map out everything that is important, by making a task list
Create "an oasis of time" for one to control
Say "No" (to invitations, projects, etc. that you do not really want to do.)
Set priorities
Don't drop everything
Don't think a critical task will get done in spare time.
The following are examples of some of the more commonly used time management techniques for businesses (again these can be adapted for personal use, as well.)
ABC Development
A – Tasks that are perceived as being urgent and important.
B – Tasks that are important but not urgent.
C – Tasks that are neither urgent nor important.
POSEC, which is an acronym for Prioritize by Organizing, Streamlining, Economizing and Contributing:
Prioritize your time and define your life goals.
Organizing things you have to accomplish regularly to be successful. (Family and Finances)
Streamlining things you may not like to do, but need to do. (Work and Chores)
Economizing things you should do or may even like to do, but they're not pressingly urgent. (Pastimes and Socializing)
Contributing by paying attention to the few remaining things that make a difference. (Social Obligations).
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