Ready to get organized to better manage your time? Here are some helpful tools to get you started.
Day Planner. Use one place to record all your appointments and special dates. Be sure to record telephone numbers along with appointment details so you can call if you are running late or need to cancel the appointment. Instead of writing To Do lists on scraps of paper that easily get lost, record them in the notes section of your day planner. Make a habit of carrying it with you everywhere and don't leave anything to memory. There a lots of different styles and sizes of day planners. Think about which kind will work for you. Will it fit in your bag or purse? Do you like to look at a day at a time, a week at a time, or a month at a time?
Wall Calendar. A calendar with large blocks or a wipe off calendar is useful for keeping a family organized or for scheduling multiple projects. Try color coding different family members or projects to keep things easy to read. Keep the family calendar in a popular place in your house and encourage children to check the calendar to see what they have to do today. Schedule start dates and deadlines for your projects.
Email. Sign up for free email reminders for important events (birthdays, appointments, school events). E-cards can be scheduled to be sent on a specific date on most e-card websites. Take 20 minutes to schedule birthday cards to be sent to all your family and friends. Don't forget other occasions such as mother's day and father's day. This way if your birthday present, card, or phone call is late, they will at least know that you have not forgotten them.
Clocks. If you find yourself always running late in the morning, make sure you have a clock in view of each area where you get ready-in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in your bedroom. Many people have stopped wearing watches, since they can check the time on their cellular phone. This is actually harder than glancing at your wrist (and less subtle) so consider getting a new battery for your Timex.
Timers. Using a kitchen timer or hour glass is a great way to measure out lengthy projects into measurable chunks. Constantly checking the clock can create a lot of stress and distraction. Setting an alarm can allow you to concentrate on the task at hand without worrying about being late. If you have difficulty estimating time, using an hour glass is a great visual to help you see the passage of time.
Inboxes and other boxes. Label trays to help cut down on massive piles of paper. Try labeling them according to subject (school, work, home) or action the must be taken (Email/Mail, Look Into, File). Try setting up a special box that children can put notices from school and papers to be signed in. If you do not have desktop trays you can make your own our of cereal or courier boxes. Cut out half of the front of the box. You can stack these on a desk or pin them to the wall. To create magazine organizers measure three inches from the top of the box and also three inches from the bottom the box, cut boxes diagonally from these points. Boxes can be painted or covered for a neater appearance.
Think about what will best fit your style and pick up the appropriate day planner, calendar, clock, or timer. Picking the right time management tools for your lifestyle and personality will help you achieve the efficiency you desire.
