Welcome back to the “Success in 12 Months” blog series! We’re moving into the second week of Month 8, and the topic we’re working on together this month is time management.

There are only 24 hours in a day. We can’t change that. However, we can use the time we have more effectively. By taking control of your time, you can become more productive. Successful people utilize their time wisely.

This month, you will analyze your time management and start to take the steps needed to fix it.

How Do You Spend Your Time?

Last week, I asked you to take a look at potential time wasters.

How many hours per week do you spend:

Checking Email:
Watching TV:
Surfing the Net:
Napping:
Sleeping:
On the Phone:
Arguing:
Instant Messaging:
Social Media:
____________:
____________:
____________:
____________:
____________:
____________:

Total Hours:

What did you discover when you took a closer look at how you spend your time?

This week, I want to help you manage your time. Here are some tips to help you assess your skills:

1. Tackle the most difficult tasks early in the morning.
2. Keep current with a daily list of things that must be done today.
3. Say no sometimes when you’re asked to do something.
4. Give priority to matters that are urgent.
5. Tackle one task at a time, finish it, and then move on.
6. Ignore unscheduled interruptions.
7. Delegate.
8. Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.

 Your Weekly Exercise: What Are Your Top Three?

This week’s exercise is quite easy. Simply identify your 3 worst time wasters from above.

Worst Time Wasters (include # of hours)

1. __________________________________no. of hours:_______

2. __________________________________ no. of hours:_______

3. __________________________________ no. of hours:_______

Now, the rest of your week should be dedicated to cutting back on these time wasters and replacing them with more productive activities. Track the time you spent doing the above activities this week and see if you can improve with less hours:

1. __________________________________ no. of hours:_______

2. __________________________________ no. of hours:_______

3. __________________________________ no. of hours:_______

Total # of Hours Saved: _____

We’ll take this further next week.

As I always say, share your thoughts and your progress, leave a comment below or e-mail me and let me know what’s been happening for you. I’m investing in you and want to support you in your success!

Your partner in making the most of your time,

James

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