Successful Multi-Tasking
by Marcia Ramsland, author of
Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way!
Everyone has a calendar but not every one
uses their time to get everything done. Successful multi-taskers
their calendar very organized and focused.
A successful use of a monthly calendar
is the difference in either using it just to deposit your appointments,
or using it as the foundation of having time to do the things you
need and want to do. It is the most important tool you use everyday.
Cherish your time by treating your personal calendar as a prized
possession. Keep your calendar with you at all times. Having your
appointments, meeting plans, and phone numbers close by will help you
successfully manage any changes that come up.
Are you spending your time exactly as you'd like to?
The detailed way you use your calendar is the key to a successful
lifestyle, so remember to:
1. Keep one monthly calendar to keep everything in one place.
2. Pencil in all appointments and potential events coming
up. 3. Write down all your appointments in one or two words.
4. Include the beginning and ending times so you can see how much
you committed.
5. Diagonally cross off passed date boxes while reflecting if it
was time well spent.
6. RSVP to all personal or business invitations as a
courtesy.
7. Offer two alternative times when rescheduling an event.
8. List three Goals (Priorities) for the month in the top
margin to stay focused on personal milestones beyond your daily
appointments.
9. Count how many nights out you scheduled and can stay balanced
- usually no more than four out per week.
10. Track personal improvement goals (like financial savings or
exercise progress) in the margin so you can also grow personally.
One Life, One Calendar
There are only twenty-four hours in anyone’s day, and you don’t need to
add to your stress by feeling fragmented and having things fall through
the cracks. Your calendar-- a single calendar should reflect a balanced
and satisfying life for you. You can start that journey by consolidating
your activities through living your life off one calendar.
Learn from Your Patterns
Your calendar contains many clues. If the early part of your week goes
well but you are frustrated by the end of the week, look at your
schedule from prior weeks and determine if you can detect a pattern.
Seeing what a "good day" looks like on that week day will help you
improve the way you schedule things. Successful multi-taskers are always
asking, "What worked today? and How can I improve my schedule?" Keep at
it and you will succeed.
From
Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that
Way!
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