time-management

It’s time for summer vacation! With your summer schedule packed full of vacation time and evening events, why not reevaluate your time management approach to make sure you don’t miss that epic BBQ, the Warrior’s game, or your kid’s soccer championship. Make the most of you time this summer, work efficiently and smart, and avoid these all too common time management mistakes.

  1. Skipping prioritization – Sure, that expense report is easier to complete than the comprehensive sales strategy you promised to create, but the expense report won’t move you as far towards your goals. During your most productive times of the day, focus on your most important tasks.
  2. Failing to set daily goals – Be realistic and formulate your daily goals based on your weekly and monthly goals. Always leave room for flexibility, you never know when that elusive client will call with a special request.
  3. Succumbing to distraction – Ever spent the day checking email, reading the news, or surfing the internet instead of working? We all have. No doubt you will get distracted throughout the day, however, it is essential to set aside times when you shut off your email, close your internet browser and tuck away your phone. After your work is complete, reward yourself with a 10 minute internet session.
  4. Neglecting to take breaks – Far too often, I have tried to work through the day without stopping. I end up being less productive, and more stressed. Take time to recharge, grab a coffee or go for a short walk. I think you’ll find these breaks help make your day more enjoyable, and more productive.
  5. Multi-tasking – On paper it sounds like a good idea, but in reality it produces less than stellar results. Check out this article on why you should start single tasking.
  6. Failing to reevaluate your schedule – When you start your day, take time to look at your schedule and run through your goals. If you no longer need a meeting, cancel it. This will help you prioritize, schedule breaks, set daily goals and avoid having to multitask. If you are flexible, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unexpected client call at 4:45pm on Friday.

Hopefully, being aware of these common time management blunders will increase your productivity and help you enjoy more of the fun things this summer.