Posts Tagged ‘calendar’

Be Realistic and Effective with Your Time

Friday, March 12th, 2010
Use your calendar for weekly time mapping

Use your calendar for weekly time mapping

One of my favorite things to do with clients is helping them navigate through the murky waters of overwhelm. Being able to get more done is always a first priority – so I decided to share some secrets.

Time Mapping is a technique highlighted in Julie Morgenstern’s book, Time Management from the Inside Out. It expands on a best practice recommended by nearly all time and task management experts:

•Identify when you’re best at doing something

•Schedule those times throughout the week

So, if your mind is freshest in the morning then try to schedule daily planning and task time in the morning at the same time each day. During your task time, look at your list and see what can be completed in the time allotted.

If you like “open office” time after lunch to be available for coworkers and subordinates, then schedule that time in your calendar at the same time every day. Remember to add in time for checking emails, returning phone calls and other last minute issues that pop up.  

It’s obviously impossible to keep the exact same schedule every day; but time mapping will help you to develop the habit of actually doing whatever activity you have scheduled.

Until next time,

Happy Organizing!