The Clock Is Ticking! How Good Are You At Time Management?

Resolution - better time management (Photo credit: vpickering)

Time may be relative but it is also neutral. The reality is that there is neither too much nor too little time unless we make it so. So time management “at the end of the day” is about self-management.

If you have a time management problem, the first step is to understand why. This begins with looking at yourself. In reality, for most of us, 80% of our results come from 20% of our activities – the good old 80/20 Pareto Principle at work again.

But first let us work out the extent of the problem. Below are 10 questions. They are all about the signs of poor time management. So saying yes to even one question suggests you need to improve your time management skills. If you say yes to several questions, you could already be in danger of suffering from stress and even possible burn-out.

Are you constantly rushing about from one meeting or appointment to another?
Do you find yourself repeatedly apologizing for being late?
Do you feel worn out most of the time and lacking in enthusiasm?
Do you feel frustrated – always at the beck and call of other people?
Do you feel impatient for most of the day – nothing is fast enough and people just don’t seem to respond as quickly as you need them to?
Do you find yourself unable to make choices – you worry that if you make the wrong choice it will just make life even more complicated?
Do you find it hard to define your goals – there is always something else you need to do?
Do you find yourself procrastinating – you keep putting things off until you are right up against the deadline – or worst of all possible worlds you just miss it?
Do you find it difficult to delegate – no one can do the job quite as well as you can?
Do you just feel overwhelmed sometimes – it is all just too much?

How many questions did you say yes to?

If you want to improve your time management skills, the first step now is to be clear about your purpose and your direction in life. Good time management begins with understanding your values and knowing your goals, then you can begin to make optimum use of your time in pursuing those goals.

Over the coming weeks our Monday posts will help you to develop the time management skills you need to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I'd love to hear about your tips for managing time and if you need the support of a coach in sorting out your personal time management issues, my email address is below

Please take the time to take part in my poll at the top of the column on the right - thanks!

Wendy Mason is a Life and Career Coach. She helps people have the confidence they need to be successful at work and to change career while maintaining a good work/life balance. You can email her at wendymason @wisewolfcoaching.com

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