Dear MAKK:
I find that I am “losing” time throughout the day-I can never seem to get everything done-even though I work a full eight-hour and sometimes twelve-hour day. What can I do about it?
Dear “No Time to Spare”:
First and foremost, make sure you have a day planner of some sort. If you don’t, go out and buy one now.
Once you have your planner in front of you, you need to set up a to-do list of projects that need accomplished-this can be done in a “TO-DO” section in the planner-not on your daily plan. After each project listed in the To-Do section, write down the necessary steps to complete this project. Determine the priority of each of these steps and how much time each of these steps will take, then add 50% more time onto it.
Once that is completed, you will be moving these items onto your daily plan. Whatever step has the highest priority must go into the daily plan first, along with the length of time it will take. Continue adding to your daily plan by priority item. Be realistic about what can be accomplished daily and make sure you don’t exceed your eight or twelve-hour day and also make sure you leave time for last-minute meetings and/or phone calls. You will find that what you think is an eight or twelve-hour day actually turns into a 2-3 hour day once you have listed what you must accomplish for that particular day.
Each day-add to your planner from the To-Do list. Check the items off the To-Do list as they are completed. Get in the habit of doing this on a daily basis and you will know how your time is spent and on what.
Dear MAKK,
How do you determine what "stuff" to eliminate? It seems like I need to keep everything.
"Confused in Murraysville"
Dear "Confused in Murraysville":
You need to set yourself up with some sort of criteria to determine what you need and what you don't need. Everything is or was important to you at one time or another. What you have to determine for yourself is whether this "stuff" is relevant to your life now or if it ever will be again. Ask yourself a series of simple questions (and make sure you answer them truthfully and realistically).
1. When was the last time I used this?
2. Will I ever truly use it again and if so, in what capacity?
3. Can I easily replace this, economically or sentimentally?
Once you answer these questions honestly-you will see that the decision becomes much easier. You will realize that certain things you are holding on to add no value to your life. Decide if it is worth it to you to keep this item that has no value or if it is more worth it to you to be organized and able to find things and move about easily.
Good luck!!
