Manage time to become more productive

Time management is an area that seems to have millions of experts. There are so many individuals that seem to waste time or not perform to the level they are capable. We will focus on some of the tips and strategies that can be employed to help manage your time better, making you more productive.

1. Write things down. We certainly can't control when thoughts pop into our mind of this or that that needs to be done. Have a place where you can just jot thoughts down to come back to later.
2. Prioritize. How do you know what should take precedence?Look first to see what deadlines you have upcoming and second, what is going to help you make the most money?
3. Manage Information. It is far too easy to get carried away or off to another subject when delving into specific topics. Find ways to organize the information you have through labels, folders, etc. Limit yourself to the specific topic you need. If you find you are off-task, stop and re-direct yourself. This includes managing your email. Many people waste precious time at work by checking their email repeatedly throughout the day.
   
   • Learn to limit your email visits and when you are there be efficient.
   
   
   • Set a time frame
   
   
   • Use folders / labels for organization
   
   
   • Be precise and to the point when answering emails.
   
   
   • Delete unnecessary emails!
   
   
   • Don't leave things for the next day
4. Automate routine tasks. Some things you can set your computer to do for you.If there is anything that you can have a machine do simply, let it do it.Your brain power is better set to use doing things a machine can't.
5. Don't Multi-task. I know we seem to think that doing several things at once is more efficient. In reality we do more things less effectively when we multi-task.Focus on one thing and do it well and quickly. Then move on to the next thing.
6. Learn the tricks. Find people who have been around awhile doing what you do.Ask them for some feedback or advice. In every industry there are tricks to the trade that can save time and even be more productive.
7. Make your list of things to do - doable. Don't load yourself down with millions of tasks you know you aren't going to be able to get to or do. This only causes discouragement. Be realistic.
8. Have the right tools. There are lots of ways to do a variety of things.But if you have the proper tools you always end up doing things faster and more efficiently.Sure you can create a web page by typing every line of code yourself. However, it is more efficient to use a software program that allows you to design it by point and click.Just because something can be done a certain way doesn't mean it should be done that way.
9. Stick to a schedule. If you develop a routine schedule you become more efficient and effective at what you do. Of course it is understandable that complete strict adherence is not possible. However, the more you can stick to a routine for tasks, the more productive you will become.
10. Slow down. It isn't always about working as fast as possible. It's also about making sure that the work is done as well as possible. Sometimes the way in which we create a more superior product is to slow the process down.
11. Schedule time out. Make sure you allow yourself some well time breaks. This will help keep your body from burning out and keep your mind fresh and focused. It gives you something to look forward to as well.
12. Declutter.Far too many offices and desks are filled with items that are rarely used and unnecessary.Organize your space in such a way you are able to reach and access items you use regularly and put items less used in spaces further from you.Keep your area clean and organized.