Make The Most Of Your Workday

     Whether the issue is that you have too much to do, too little help, too daunting a task, or all of the above, you may feel like there's no way to keep up. Without some kind of a plan for your time, you can feel stretched to the point of insanity. Fortunately, you can start to take control by learning to maximize your time.

     Maximizing your time is about getting the most out of your time so you can do more with less. Literally, the term "maximizing" means "to make as big as possible," "to make the most of," and "to find maximum value in something." When you maximize your time, in addition to accomplishing daily tasks, you're making space for the things that matter most -- your goals, priorities, and the bigger vision of success for you and your organization.

     This week, Promotional Consultant Today is looking at three time maximizing techniques. Monday we examined the first strategy, "Going To The Calendar." Yesterday we reviewed Strategy No. 2, The Five Ds. Today we'll look at the last strategy, Project 123.

sponsored by:
KAESER & BLAIR

TOP SHELF TIP NO. 123

"Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love."   

David McCullough, U.S. biographer and historian

Strategy No. 3: Project 123

     When you feel like many big activities are crowding you out, you can become overwhelmed and not know where to start. After all, it's so much easier to tinker in the minutiae than to tackle the most important tasks. The danger is that most of the important things never get done. Unfortunately, too many people today don't take the time to choose what to spend their time on. They're simply answering fire alarms all day or taking things on a "first come, first served" basis.

     To help you manage your sanity and maximize your time, you need to figure out priorities. So sit back and identify Project One, Two, and Three. Choose one project or one action item to tackle that will allow you to make the biggest impact with your time. Keep sight of which project you'll grant top priority, and give it the best of your time. Then you can turn to the rest.

Time Is on Your Side

     The fact is you will never have control of your time unless you take control of your time. That means stopping long enough to get a handle on what's happening, reflecting on whether it's working, and learning new ways to maximize the time you have. Rethinking your relationship to time takes an open mind, it takes commitment, and (ironically) it takes time. But the investment you make in maximizing your time will pay you back hour after precious hour.

     When you learn how to maximize your time, not only will you stay sane in the midst of today's business environment, but you'll also become more valuable, more productive and ultimately more at peace in all areas of your life.

     Source: Joelle K. Jay, Ph. D., is an executive coach and the senior managing partner of the leadership development firm, Pillar Consulting. She strategizes with business leaders to enhance their performance and maximize business results. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies. She is the author of The Inner Edge: The 10 Practices of Personal Leadership.