Think NOW - NEAR - FAR

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2008

Thinking About Time Matters

I have not yet met a single person who is the perfect time management role model. So you may as well give in to the frustration, and come to terms with the fact that you – yes you – are probably not going to be the champion of the clock. That said, all I have to do is to observe you for 24 hours and watch your clock and your compass in action. Your future may be more predictable than you think!

The actions that you take today, the “now”, are inevitable in the “near and far” as well. That’s especially true if you are talking about your intentions, and have not totally committed to changed behaviors.

Time can be categorized in three ways: in the now, today, this minute. Near can be defined as in the next week, or the next month: it’s your choice. And “far” can refer to this quarter, this year or the next 3years: again, it’s up to you.

Think about these three time lines as you read the ten tips.

Time Tips: Top Ten

1. Think in “Prime Time”
Your prime time is your best time of day, your best day of the week and most preferred season. According to studies, Tuesdays are the highest productivity days for most people; that is, you have the most leverage and energy. I run out of steam at approximately 4 pm and my best time is early morning. That simply means that I schedule my highest output projects and meetings before noon, and my stroll around the block for late afternoon.

2. Bunch and Do It Routinely

It’s not good enough to try to eliminate time wasters. Think time savers instead. Here’s some examples:
· Establish a “24 hour rule”. Return all calls within 24 hours BUT
· Return messages before 10 am. Then let your voice mail take care of the calls until the next day.
· Take care of all emails only after 3 pm. Log off until tomorrow at 3. Resist the temptation to constantly check your mail.
· Schedule as many meetings (not on Mondays, best on Tuesdays) as you can for one day, and none for another. Start at 15 past hour: most people won’t be late.)
· Take an hour on Friday or the weekend to get your next week organized


3. There’s time magic in “Routine”

· Always write concise email subject lines that are easier to track back
· Always enter footnotes on all documents with dates and author
· Mistakes eat up time. Pay attention to detail now. “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it again?”



4. Schedule everything in 1 calendar, including personal appointments
· When you schedule a start time, also schedule an end time.
· About that flurry of family activity, block off your own “me” time as your family time.
· Agree to keep meetings to specific time limits: negotiate and stick to it.
· Block in “follow-up time” after meetings. Don’t leave the tasks you have agreed to complete until panic time just before the next meeting.
· Make all personal and family appointments for same day, or first thing in the morning before professionals get behind and leave you wasting your time.


5. Be proactive. Control interruptions

If a colleague is constantly knocking on your door, how do you stop interruptions? One manager made a deal with her staff to place a stuffed monkey on the corner of her desk. The monkey was her signal for, “come back later. I’m working!”.

What signals are you sending that you’re now the martyr at the office or at home?


6. Leverage your maximum benefits

There are three basic questions for 3 long lists:

What’s important?

What’s really important?

What’s MOST important?


7. Choose to say “no” if the request does not support your near and far.

· Don’t just say “Maybe” because you’re uncomfortable saying “NO”. Don’t get defensive.
· Stay firm. Be calm.
· Keep the story short. You don’t need to make up excuses. Just say “No”.


8. Anger, frustration, conflict and nattering all consume time…
Enough said!

9. Maintain a healthy support system and keep these people in your loop.

· Ask for help when you need it.
· Give help generously without strings attached.
· Reciprocity saves time.
· Talk about your goals and your progress.
· Be a role model for new employees, and your children


10. You have a clock and a compass.

How will you keep them in alignment, nourished and functioning?
Instead of looking for answers, find the questions that will leverage your thinking. It’s not just about how you use your now, but the direction that you commit to for the near and far time zones.

The challenge for you is to actually change your intentions into actions. Go back and review this article. Make notes and start “now”.

Chances are good, that tomorrow, you just won’t have the time.

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Maggie Chicoine is a professional speaker and Master Coach. She specializes in strategies to get ahead. Reach her at 1 800 587 1767.