Why do some say that time is much more important than wealth? Nearly all biographies and self-help books, by top leaders and speakers from the past decades, all focus on time as being the most important resource available. When we manage our use of time, through self-mastery, success is a natural product of that effort. Success becomes the harvest we reap.
Proven Technique Number 1 - Delegate and assign simple routine tasks to other people.
If you have a home business, consider hiring a temp to deal with book entry. Most people don't need a full time employee and the time you save allows you to focus on building your vision. This is very elementary but of great significance. If you have the money, hire people to do the housework, the repairing, and even some of your other office jobs. Let others do the research. But of course, you have to reward them accordingly so they will be motivated to render their services again. There are also web sites dedicated to connecting you with the talent you need to complete projects. Use their skills to fulfill your dreams.
Proven Technique Number 2 - Plan
Begin with the end in mind is a popular phrase and it represents a very important principal. The less time you think you have, the more critical it is for you to plan. By planning carefully, you'll be able to manage your time better and avoid costly mistakes that eat up even more of your time.
Can you imagine an archery competition where there are no targets? How would the archer know if he or she hit anything, or even came close? Too often we treat our lives and our businesses as though the target is unimportant.
You might say that you're so busy you don't even have time to plan. That's usually a sign that you need to take time to plan more than anyone else. The payoff is the ability to see your entire project holistically and see efficiencies in tasks and perhaps areas where you can hire out.
Your plan is like a road map. Spend enough time to ponder through the different approaches and activities, and you will soon realize that you can save a lot more time by doing this. Make sure you are going towards the right goal and check your plan from time to time to make sure you haven't driven off then road.
Choose a quiet place to make your plan and let your mind focus on this important process.
Every individual has a unique perception of a well-made plan. There are no specific rules in making it. Here are some tips which you can apply to your own system.
1. Write down your objective. This is a precise definition of your target.
2. Brainstorm the strategies & tactics you will employ to accomplish your objective.
3. Assess the advantages & disadvantages of carrying out those strategies & choose those tactics where the pros outweigh the cons.
4. Set a timeline or deadline in completing your mission.
5. Make modifications & back-up plans in case Plan A doesn't work.
6. Learn from the evolution of your plan. It's from this experience, and comparison to your original plan, that you will gain skills and talent.
The most important time management tip of all is to take action immediately. If your time is that important, then don't waste it by sitting around or over planning. Determine your course and move. You can always make course corrections as you move along.
About the Author
Dave Saunders is a professional lecturer, and enjoys creating life-interconnections through his writings and lectures. You can find out more about time management at http://www.the-time-management-guy.com