Paying Attention to Time!

We have one chance at making the most of each day.  It is important for us to be paying attention to time and how we spend it in the daily activities that makes up our life. Here is what I have learned that helps me better organize my day.

·       Plan your day the night before.

·       Review your plan early that day and make any necessary adjustments.

·       Take notes throughout the day to keep track of your progress.

·       Avoid being distracted unnecessarily by individuals or personal activities.

·       Before going to bed, review that day’s accomplishments, look over your notes made throughout the day and write out your plan for the coming day.

We can go a long way in making the most of our day by doing some planning.  If we would only sit down for a few moments in the hour before we go to bed and write a physical note to ourselves like a “To Do List” of what will be required the next day, we will have already laid the foundation for a more productive day.

The next morning, sometime before or during breakfast, I will review my “To Do List” and make any necessary adjustments. Sometimes I will realize that I have forgotten something entirely, or that I may need more information, or perhaps more resources in order to accomplish a particular task. 

In the morning, while doing my initial review I start to make notes in a spiral notebook in case I need to prioritize the day’s tasks more appropriately, make changes in my schedule and make a note of coordinating those changes with others that may be affected. I also try to obtain additional information that may be essential to complete a particular task. By writing down important contact information I ensure that I have it available. I have found that this helps minimize my time since I am not thumbing through the spiral notebook looking for a phone number or an address.

Watch out for time robbers, those individuals who are excessively needy of your time. You can’t ignore them! Just be mindful of the amount of time you are spending solving their problems. Give them some attention and be courteous about how you interact with them. While we need to support them we still can not afford to be their crutch.  Also pay attention to your own activities that you are not undermining your own efforts at improving how your time is spent.

After your evening has begun to slow down, take time to review your list and notes and see how well you did at accomplishing your day’s tasks. Make up a new “To Do List” for the next day.

For those of you who are more technological savvy, I am sure you will reach for your Blackberry or touch pad Android to assist you in keeping your schedule, lists and contact information. That is up to you. What if you did not own any such device? What if you live in Japan and were fortunate to have survived the recent catastrophe that has happened to them. You might find yourself to be fortunate to have a pad and pencil in which to write.

You see, I am trying to be as simplistic in my life as I can possibly be. Yes, I have my computer and cell phone too. But I am also trying to learn how to function without having total dependence on them. We have enough chaos in our life without worrying about where the recharge cable is located for an electrical device.

A To Do List is a simple method to help you organize your day and will help you to pay attention to time. Good luck in your efforts to improve.  Until next time, whenever that may be, be safe and be happy.