1. Use an alarm clock. An alarm clock can be used throughout the day, not just to get you up in the morning. Set it through the day to give yourself reminders for various tasks. It helps to keep you from wasting time.
2. Make lists. This is such a simple, but effective tool. Just write a list of what you need to do during the day. It will help keep you focused. Keep a list for work and home if you need to.
3. Use planners. Write in appointments, birthdays, special events, your children's activities. This enables you to look ahead and plan, and not be caught off guard.
4. Cell phones. Program important events into your cell phone so that it will send you a message as a reminder.
5. Computer calendar time management programs. Use a free calendar program from Google or Yahoo or others. Type reminders on the calendar and program it to have them emailed to you.
6. Computer software time management programs. If you prefer technology over pencil and paper, there are software programs that will enable you to organize and prioritize your tasks.
7. Schedule grid. This time management idea comes from my school-teaching days. Make yourself a daily schedule block grid with Microsoft Word or a similar program. Have the hours of the day on the left, and the days of the week across the top. Each block is an hour. Pencil in your tasks for each hour of the day. This is useful if you want to be very disciplined about managing your day. You can see exactly how you are using your time.
