Time Management methods most often incorporate some element of the goal setting process, as a key ingredient for overall effective use of time. Whether in the personal or professional realm, goal setting is an important aspect in becoming a productive individual, who effectively manages time.
When speaking of “goals” this term will include any number of specific tasks which need to be completed, from household chores to major business proposals. Tasks to be performed are referred to as either short, medium, or long term goals, depending on the available time the individual has to complete them.
Short term goals may be thought of as daily goals. These often include everyday chores, as well as projects which need to be completed immediately. In effective time management a list of short terms goals is formulated, and each goal on that list is completed, on a daily basis.
Medium term goals are often goals that need to be completed within one week to one month of time. Depending on the amount of time required to complete the goal, a medium term may be broken up into smaller pieces, to be accomplished daily. For instance, a project which will take 6 to 7 hours to complete can be broken into pieces, requiring only 1 hour per day.
Long term goals can reflect major undertakings, such as obtaining a college degree, building a new home, or any number of other such goals. These goals are broken down into daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly goals.
For instance, to obtain a college degree in 4 years the individual will need to research financial options, register for classes, take and pass specific subjects, complete homework assignments etc… Long term goals are best managed when broken down into small sections, each one a step toward completion of the final goal.
One way that many people can increase their productivity, and thereby improve upon their overall time management skills is through learning to delegate responsibilities to others. Whether in personal or professional life “no man is an island unto himself.”
When time constraints and looming deadlines threaten, it is not the weak person, but the strong one, that can assign some of the burden to others.
Many people with time management difficulties simply have taken on too much. In one’s personal life it can be difficult to say “no” and in one’s professional life it can be downright impossible. An angry boss or supervisor is not something anyone wants to deal with. If you find yourself in a crunch that you can’t possibly get out of, this may be the time when you simply must call in the reinforcements.
Whenever possible a team approach to large projects and difficult tasks should be adopted in the professional world. While some people may have a difficult time trusting others to carry their share of the load, learning to delegate can be an important step in to more effectively using your time.
Decide upon what skills you have, and which aspects of the project are most suited to your own level of ability and creativity. Assign smaller tasks, such as running copies, doing research work, to others. This frees up your time and energy to concentrate on the more important aspects of the job.
At home tasks can be delegated to other family members. Even the youngest child can learn to do some chores, such as picking up toys, or putting towels on a shelf.
By requiring children to share some of the burden of household chores you are also teaching them to be responsible, and helping them prepare for adulthood.
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