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Time Management

9.27.2010 by Nada Marriott

Ok, I’m the biggest time management advocate and the worst time management manager.

Yes, I said it out loud and I know that’s YOU too, YOU are just like me.

There are only a few people in the world that manage their time perfectly.  Since there are only a few of those perfect people out there (Mr. Monk) the chances that YOU too are just like me is so high that I  can’t miss in my assumption that YOU too are a bad manager of your time.

So, what do we do about it?  Better yet, what do I do about it.  What makes ME jump from one thing to another?  As I’m typing this, I have an email that I started and I can see it under this page, just glaring at me…. addresses all there, but the body is empty.  It is taunting me to finish it first and then do my blog.  So, why did I start this blog before finishing the email?  How did I get sidetracked?  Why can’t I stay on track, finish one thing then go to another task?

  1. I’m a woman (a copout reason)
  2. I multitask (another copout reason)
  3. I’m easily distracted

So, knowing these facts, how do I deal with this issue?  Don’t be fooled, I’m just being kind in using “I”, when I really mean “YOU”.  (see, how easily I get distracted :-) )

First of all, the #1, being a women, really has nothing to do with it I just felt like using it as an excuse.  My second point is also redundant.  So that leaves me with the only other and actually just the one logical explanation and a true one.  I am easily distracted. Remember that move “UP”?  Well, I’m just like the dog “Doug”….. “squirrel???”

Honestly, here is what I do and how I justify it all.

  • that is how I am
  • I do get things done, eventually
  • I do have days, where I make myself focus

This is how I do it on those days when I make myself focus……

  • make a list of what you need done (I do this every day, but don’t always follow it)
  • keep the list open where I can see it
  • meticulously focus on accomplishing ALL of the items on my list
  • set a time limit to answering emails
  • set a time limit to making phone calls
  • set a time limit to filing

This system DOES work.

As soon as I stray from this regiment, get a phone call requiring me to complete an action, or get another email or a pop upFacebook notification….. I’m off and running in all directions.

What’s a person to do???

Enjoy who you ARE, focus on when you can, practice the focus and reward yourself at the end of the successful day of focus and streamline completion of your tasks.

Good luck to us all!!  :-)

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