Time management (or rather, mismanagement) is a topic that has been popping up a lot lately in my circles. When women say "I need to learn how to manage my time effectively,"I hear "I can never finish the projects that matter to me." People blame demanding bosses. They say that there are never enough hours in the day. But the truth is,your time can't be stolen without your permission. So you need to stop giving people the impression that your time doesn't matter.
As I mentioned in my July 9th post ("Working to Cure My Disease to Please"), you are responsible for teaching others how to treat you. If others refuse to honor your commitments, it's because you communicated that your commitments aren't important. People don't respect your time because you don't respect your time.And in order to prevent burnout and create more time freedom, you need to give yourself structure and demand that others respect that.
In her video "The 4-Minute Trick for Massive Productivity," business strategist Marie Forleo says that a successful life starts with being intentional about planning each day (Watch here: http://www.marieforleo.com/2015/07/massively-productive/.) Marie spends a few moments at bedtime planning out the next day, but I prefer to plan my day while enjoying my morning shower. I learn best through my eyes, so once I get a good idea of what I want my day to look like (and once I'm out of the shower lol)I write down 5 must-do items (in a notebook, on a Post-it, or on a napkin if times are hard) and a plan for how to knock them out. Pick a time and place that you can write out your plan for the day.Try to stick to the same time (and place, if possible). Take a few minutes to write out a list of 5 critical projects that need to get done, and treat that list like a contract. Make it so that you'll lose a privilege if you don't get through the list. For example, I rely on sun-soaking time to refuel, so knowing that I won't let myself leave the building until I get through my must-do projects really helps me keep my eye on the prize.
Create a system that accounts for every waking minute. Not chunks. Every. Single. Minute. Carry a time journal to log your daily activities. When you're forced to document every move you make, you're more likely to make those minutes count.
Schedule appointments with yourself ("Me Time") to recharge. Even if it's a 5 minute nap. Bump what you heard: scheduling time to collect yourself and get present will be the most impactful decision you will make all day. And if you fail to take time for yourself, it will spill over into your projects. If you don't value your time, why should anyone else? Scheduling "Me Time" each day helps you build the discipline that it requires to maintain boundaries (a key piece in living unapologetically, which I'll delve into in another post). Schedule time for interruptions (and call it "Office Hours" if you wanna feel official). Outside of that scheduled interruption time, don't be afraid to close your door, put up a sign, or wear headphones to make clear that you are in the zone and absolutely need to get work done. Practice unplugging/disconnecting by designating an hour a day when you ignore your phone and shut off email notifications. Unless you're using social media to generate business, block out social media distractions.Schedule a time to answer your phone calls and emails, and don't stray from the agenda for any unplanned interruptions unless it is absolutely essential. Your time belongs to YOU. Period. But until you live that belief, no one else will honor it.
Get clear on what MUST be completed before the day is done. And have the courage to build your schedule around that decision.Take a few minutes before your workday to write these things down. As I mentioned earlier, I like to list 5 non-negotiables to focus on over the course of the day. If I check off all 5 before COB, then I do a celebratory body roll and add another 5 items to the list. And if I manage to complete my first 5 items by noon, then I reward myself with extra "Me Time." That could be an impromptu dance party in my office ( Heeey Wizkid Pandora station!) It could be a 10 minute walk outside to soak up the sun. Or it could be snacking on something sweet (like an oatmeal cookie or Sheila's Dream Bar from Potbelly. Chiiiiiile those cookies are crack.) But come up with an incentive that will energize you, NOT something that you know you'll get anyway. And be intentional about blocking out "productivity killers" (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, that nosy co-worker that always wants to spill the latest gossip tea).
Keep this up for a week, and watch your productivity soar. What could you accomplish or enjoy if you felt like you owned your time again? How good would that feel? Write me back and let me know.
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