On certain days, 5:00 PM rolls around and I haven’t accomplished a single task on my “to do” list. I’m doing things – but arguably not the “right” things. Days such as this make me fully aware that it is advisable to take a quick look, every so often, at how we are utilizing our time.
The level of distraction in our work lives has never been greater – on-line, off-line, mobile. Meetings, e-mails, travel. With all of the elements competing for our attention – it’s hard to know if we are making wise “time” choices. A few signs to be aware of:
- You don’t seem to have the time to complete your “best” work.
- You don’t have time to recharge or re-energize.
- You have little time to explore new contacts or projects.
So, I pose this question: Are you an effective time-user? That’s a difficult question to answer. However, I am sure we can all agree that time is a valuable commodity, that commands respect.
Here are a few posts that can help you get on the right path:
- SXSW: Here’s Why You’re Not Productive, Franseca Levy, LinkedIn
- The Ugly Truth About Time Management, The Office Blend.
- How Busy People Find Time to Think Deeply, Ben Casnocha, Linkedin.
- You Should Work From Home Before You Go to Work, Caterina Fake, LinkedIn
- Make Time for Time, Anthony K. Tjan, HBR
- 7 Must- Have ( Free) Mobile Apps to Do Your Job Better, Ryan Holmes, LinkedIn.
What are your time “challenges”? Fill us in.
Dr. Marla Gottschalk is a Workplace Psychologist and coach. She also writes for Talent Zoo and Linkedin.
Marla Gottschalk 
So true! Some days nothing gets done, despite best intentions. I think part of it is because days are planned tightly – ie, I give myself half an hour to do A, an hour to do B, take a break, etc etc but then never factor time for things that come up during the day. The problem is, I would rather bunch all outstanding tasks until the end of the day or the beginning of the next day but these “pop-up” tasks are usually urgent and eat other tasks’ time. Hopefully it’ll get easier but I fear that the only way to stay on top of everything is to continue at home…not good.
S
sabaandthecity.blogspot.com
LikeLike
Beth – happy to share your post. I will do so on Twitter. Thanks for reading, here and at Linkedin. I appreciate it.
LikeLike
Marla, I follow you on LI as well because I find that we are often in agreement on topics. It is so easy these days to feel fragmented, I wrote my own post on this a little while back – http://bar201050.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/reject-busy-ness/
LikeLike
One challenge I face is that I get sucked in by things that are interesting, but not necessarily moving the work forward. I’ve worked hard to set boundaries by blocking calendar time for both “distraction” and “focus” time. Still, like you, more than “at times” I’m left with things on my to-do list at the end of the day but there’s always tomorrow!
LikeLike