Top Time-Management Tricks
Get more time into your day and tackle that crazy schedule! Readers divulge their secrets for doing it all and still having time to unwind.
I’ve learned that when you’re focused, it’s easy to decide when to say yes, and when to smile and say “no, thank you.” I don’t feel guilty about declining because I know I’m giving 100 percent in many other ways. Saying “no” gives me the time to invest in myself, my family, and my business.
I have found that actually “wasting time” has greatly improved how productive I am. When my schedule starts to look overwhelming (which happens daily!) I intentionally take a five-minute break from everything. I actually time it on my watch. During this time, I cannot write, type, answer the phone, or even look at the computer. I then review schedule mentally of everything I have to do and ask myself what’s causing me to be so overwhelmed. I focus on the most important things to get done that day. I always come out of that time with a clearer purpose for the day, a more relaxed outlook, and the ability to get more done.
I’ve created what I call the salsa list. I put my tasks into one of three columns, which are labeled “Hot,” “Medium,” and “Mild.” I focus on the Hot items first thing in the morning and get as many as I can checked off the list. Then I move on to the Medium and Mild columns.
Use the 4-Folders Strategy
Have 4 folders on your desk marked:
"Reference" is for letters, articles, and other information you want to hang on to. "Tomorrow" is for things that need to be addressed, but not right away. By dividing up the papers that accumulate on your desk into these four files, you'll have a neater work area and eliminate lost papers.
clipped from: www.realtor.org