Many people struggle to find the time to do the things they want to. There are only 24 hours in a day and that is never going to change. However, we can change how we look at time and how we use it to help us lead a fuller and more productive life.
If you have a to do list that is longer than your arm and only limited time available you are probably wondering how you can get it all done. Most likely you are feeling stressed out and helpless. However, with a little commitment and effort you can learn how to manage your time more effectively.
The first thing you need to do is to take a step back from your life and try to look at it objectively. Take some time to consider what in life means the most to you and what you really want to achieve. Once you decide what is most important to you, you can begin to move towards more effective time management.
Write down what is important to you and compare it to how you plan to spend the coming days. There will most likely be many things that are not important to you and that are not essential to get done. First remove these from your list and you will find that your schedule now looks much more manageable.
There will, of course, remain some things on the list that are not important to you that simply have to be done. At the beginning, at least, this will be a fact of life. However, effective time management can lead to some life-changing choices and help you achieve what you really want in your life.
The mismatches between how you currently spend your time and how you would like to spend your time can be very revealing as they help you identify where you need to make changes. Some of these changes may be very small while others may be life changing.
You can start on the small changes right away. These could include simple things like getting fit or learning a new hobby so all you will need to do is schedule a little time to devote to these each day.
Bigger changes will require a lot more thought and commitment, but are achievable. Perhaps you want to move house or change profession. You cannot do things like this at the drop of a hat so you need to identify the steps you need to take to achieve them.
I encourage you to break these steps into small, manageable tasks that can be easily scheduled. Using the changing profession example, a first task might be to research courses available to train you in the skills you need for your chosen new profession. This small task can easily be scheduled into one of your days. Once you begin to take action to move you in the right direction you will feel more satisfied with your life.
Related Articles
Improve your Personal Time Management in 30 Seconds
By: Wendy Hearn | 05/12/2007 | Business
One of the keys to getting the most out of your time is developing the ability to ask yourself the right questions at the right time. This need only take a few seconds before you begin any given task. More often than not, you will find these few seconds will present new and better ways of doing what needs to be done.
Top 3 Time Management Tips
By: Wendy Hearn | 04/02/2008 | Business
There are many ways you can approach effective time management, and the best one for you will depend on your particular needs. However, I have found that there are certain actions that everyone can take that will help them spend their time more effectively so they get things done.
Time Management Techniques: 2 Powerful Steps
By: Wendy Hearn | 05/02/2008 | Business
Developing the right time management techniques can take just a little time and effort, but it is well worth it when you see the results. Although these time management techniques can be taught by a personal coach or a time management expert, you can effectively learn these techniques yourself if you wish to.
Effective Time Management: Eliminate These Enemies of Effective Time Management
By: Wendy Hearn | 06/02/2008 | Business
Effective time management is a goal that all of us need to strive for, and it is a perfectly attainable goal. However, every day there are forces at work that threaten to thwart our best efforts, and we must be on the constant look out for these time wasters.
The Importance of Time Management
By: Wendy Hearn | 12/02/2008 | Business
Not many people realize the importance of time management, but it can change your life and business forever. Time management isn't just about keeping a well organized diary and making sure you are on time for meetings. No, it is much more than that.
Time Management Tips: 5 Tips for Making Time Work Better for you – Read Here to Find Out
By: Wendy Hearn | 15/02/2008 | Business
Do you want to get more done and make better use of the hours that you have in each day? If so, these powerful tips will help you.
Having a Good Time Management Strategy Keeps you Ahead of the Competition
By: Wendy Hearn | 19/02/2008 | Business
Business today can be tough and if you want to stay ahead of your competition you need to have a good time management strategy.
Show Me the Money! 3 Tips to Visualizing Success
By: Sandy Reed | 24/06/2008 | Business
If you're still struggling with cash flor in your busienss, here's the first place to start to turn your bottom line around.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What would be a good business to open in buffalo ...
By: April | 14-07-2008
what would be a good business to open in buffalo, ny?
What would be a good business to open in buffalo ...
By: April | 14-07-2008
what would be a good business to open in buffalo, ny?
Management Skills
By: cookecg51 | 14-07-2008
Whay are some of the categories of manegment skills that must be developed by mangement, and how does these skills help develop the corporate culture of that organization?
Test results 473 lou ky
By: wneal6 | 14-07-2008
has anyone received in test results for 473 postal exam taken in may in louisville ky
Has Pinnacle Investment Group, LLC, on Bryn Mawr ...
By: agent0365 | 14-07-2008
Has Pinnacle Investment Group, LLC, on Bryn Mawr Ave., in Chicago, IL, received any complaints on any business dealings?
Selling a U.S. business to a European
By: RYAN | 14-07-2008
Dear Sirs, I am interested in selling my independant Porsche sales and service facility in Daytond Beach.I have been in business for 18 years and have made a good living.I have 2 ''problems''. 1...the business is run by myself and 1 parttimer.2 the current state of the American economy.The ideal person to continue needs to be young and with lots of Porsche repair experience.This brings me to the strength of the Euro against the dollar, and that Germans love this area..................how do I list my business in Germany? Ryan
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Business Articles
Water Damage & Solano County Flooding
By: Mark Decherd | 26/07/2008
If you live in Solano County, it's imperative that you are aware of the flood potential and understand the risks. The wet months run from November through April. During these months, you are more likely to experience flooding.
Is it Time to "reset" Your Business?
By: Linda Feinholz | 26/07/2008
When is 'too much to do' finally enough? I mean enough to have you reach out and slap your personal and business 'reset' button? Do you ever feel like you're buried under overwhelm? Sometimes prioritizing the to do list isn't what needs to be done.
15 Ways to Improve Your Closing Ratios and Sales Presentations
By: Katrina Sawa | 26/07/2008
It is not enough to do launching effective marketing campaigns to obtain new customers and to continually market to your existing database for more referrals and repeat business. In addition, you must be able to ask for and close the sale. Otherwise, it is a waste of time and money!
In Searching for Cost Reducitons, Look at Total Cash Flow Costs Rather Than Accounting Costs
By: Donald Mitchell | 26/07/2008
If you are a privately held company, look to reduce overall cash costs when considering alternative cost reductions, rather than the impact of reported earnings.
The More Trust, the More Time to Succeed
By: Andrew Cox | 26/07/2008
Bill Oncken, in his book Managing Management Time, says that the more trust you have with your "universe " of people, the more time you have to do the things that lead to success. Trust is hard to earn. Once lost it's hard to regain. It's the most precious asset in any relationship - at any level - at any time. Read on to see how a successful Division President builds trust.
10 Tips on the Issues With Selling Professionals
By: Drew Stevens | 26/07/2008
The world of professional selling is rich with information related to selling skills, sales training and techniques to assist professionals. However, after much rhetoric and information I am finding something completely different...a problem with selling professionals.
India - the Next Economic Powerhouse
By: Paul Hata | 25/07/2008
India is one of the fastest-growing countries in Asia. In 2006, India recorded a 1.2% of world trade share overall. The stat was picked out from WTO. The growth is mainly due to the liberalization that took place in India way back in 1991. Ever since then, there's no looking back.
Customer Service Toolkit
By: Drew Stevens | 25/07/2008
All businesses make money, yet those that are customer focused are more profitable.
More from Wendy Hearn
Are You Finding it Hard to Lose Fat?
By: Wendy Hearn | 13/06/2008 | Motivational
If you're finding it hard to lose fat it could be that you're missing some of these key points.
So You Think Losing Fat is Impossible
By: Wendy Hearn | 13/06/2008 | Motivational
While you might think losing fat is impossible with the right information and a mindset that says you can do it, you will be well on your way to successful fat loss.
Which of These Time Management Skills are You Missing?
By: Wendy Hearn | 12/06/2008 | Motivational
Here are three time management skills for you to consider and identify which you need to be implementing now to help you reach your goals much more quickly.
Weight Loss: Stop Searching for the Perfect Diet Plan and Get Started Today
By: Wendy Hearn | 01/06/2008 | Motivational
Most diets are difficult for people to stick to and some can be harmful or unhealthy. The quest to find the perfect diet plan often mean that you put off getting started with eating healthily.
Sitting on a Chair Helps You With Weight Loss
By: Wendy Hearn | 31/05/2008 | Motivational
Fast food makes it all too easy for most people to deal with the necessary activity of eating. This in turn makes us forget that in order to lose weight successfully we need to watch what we put in our bodies. Face it, fast food is chock full of calories and preservatives that no one actually needs.
How to Burn More Fat When You're Exercising
By: Wendy Hearn | 29/05/2008 | Motivational
Is your exercise routine burning as much fat as possible? Perhaps it’s time to shake things up, my friend, and get back to burning fat. That’s the key, you know. The more fat you burn, the more weight you’ll lose and, believe it or not, the more energy you’ll actually be left with.
Exercising to Lose Weight? Beware of This Mistake
By: Wendy Hearn | 28/05/2008 | Motivational
To lose or maintain weight you need to exercise regularly. However, beware of the pitfalls along the way and avoid making the mistakes that many people make that hinders their weight loss.
Weight Loss: Picture yourself Being a Lean Slim Person
By: Wendy Hearn | 27/05/2008 | Motivational
When it comes to losing weight, “you are what you eat” and “you are what you think” are so true. Training your mind to think of yourself as being beautifully slim and healthfully fit is one of the first steps to success.
Business 
