Our Time Is Precious, Use (Invest) It Purposefully!

Time is our most precious commodity. I know that, yet I waste way more than I'd like.

Here are common time wasters. I certainly am guilty of some of these; okay, maybe all!

• clutter, time spent looking for things, especially in my office
• not prioritizing, so I do the easy things, not the most important
• not delegating, and at times when I do, not giving the proper instructions,
• what the end product should look like and the due date
• not having an efficient filing system, so I may locate what I need quickly
• not setting action plans, what are the important steps, and when and how?
• not thinking ahead, what do I need?
• not being prepared ahead of conversations and meetings, to assure efficiently
• being late for calls, appointments, meetings.
• being distracted when that is inappropriate, as something important is at hand.

I know what to do and often make resolutions. Here is my perfect scenario:

• I set priorities, what are the potential high impact goals, plans, actions?
• I plan my days, scheduling the highest priorities in the mornings
• I have a clear picture of what success looks like
• I know what I need to begin on the highest priority, and also the first step needed
• I delegate appropriately and am clear about what I expect, need and want, and when, and whether or not I want progress reports. I touch base with those doing this work so they know I'm there for them
• I assure good communications, everyone is informed, kept informed, knows what one another expects, needs and wants
• I give honest and timely feedback, thanking and coaching sincerely
• I keep a journal, preparing for conversations and meetings, and then notes following, with information that is important to my business.
• There are many helpful resources available to help us to manage out time, to invest it wisely, and we must. No question, using our time prudently is critical to our success.

My call to action this week is to continue to hone our time management skills. I am rereading David Allen's Getting Things Done, a very helpful book. I encourage everyone to spend time with a resource that can help.