Improving TIME MANAGEMENT

Improving TIME MANAGEMENT

1. It is essential the client clarifies his/her GOALS & VALUES

   • ANY lack of clarity will result in wastage of time (and all other resources)
     • The client will be at the bec and call of others and their agendas
   • The OPTIMUM use of time must be used for these ends
   • There will need to be a phasing out of all other activities
     • This will probably mean several challenges in process of adjustment
       • adopting new attitudes, habits, and behaviour
       • tackling obstacles to change
   • VALUES are what a person determines as important in his/her life
     • They are the silent force behind a person's decisions and actions
     • The goal of 'values clarification' is so that the client is fully aware of their influence on him/her, and to review what really matters in life
     • a person can be more SELF-DIRECTED & EFFECTIVE when he/she is clear about his/her values AND their priority order
     • When a person has identified their priorities, they can begin to set their GOALS
       • GOAL Selection: SMART
         • SPECIFIC
         • MEASURABLE
         • ACHIEVABLE
         • REALISTIC
         • TIMEBOUND
         • IN LINE WITH VALUES

2. MONITORING USE OF TIME

   • Determine how time is actually used
     • Complete a TIME LOG
       • A CONTEMPORANEOUS log works better than a RETROSPECTIVE log
         • Log every waking moment
         • Keeping a time log will increase workload temporarily, but provide tool for reducing it in the longer term
       • It should be possible to spot patterns of time-wastage such as procrastination

3. DETERMINING TASK PRIORITY

   • Prioritise activities in terms of their URGENCY and IMPORTANCE
     • URGENT issues require immediate attention
     • IMPORTANT issues are personally meaningful
     • use 'urgent / important matrix'

4. PINPOINTING BLOCKS TO EMOTIONAL CHANGE

   • such as guilt, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, procrastination, etc.
     • use 'let's assume... then what' questioning

5. BECOMING BETTER ORGANISED

   • Use of TO-DO lists
     • Avoid time-wasting activities
   • Each task given a priority and deadline
     • If there are several tasks of equal priority, do the most unpleasant first
       • Finish one task before starting another
         • or you will flit between tasks and do each one suboptimally
     • Large tasks should be broken down
   • Making time for being 'creative' is not wasted, especially for a 'right brain' person
   • Take a few minutes at the end of each day to plan the next
   • Planning is a means to an end NOT AN END IN ITSELF

6. PRIME PERFORMANCE IN PRIME TIME

   • Find out when you work best
     • e.g 'night owl'
     • e.g. 'lark'
     • Do the most important and the most demanding jobs when you are at your best
     • Most people are most creative and have best concentration before 10am
   • INTERNAL PRIME-TIME = when you can concentrate and go all out on a task
     • Let others know you do not wish to be disturbed, etc.
       • shut your door, don't take calls
   • EXTERNAL PRIME TIME = time for meetings with others etc.