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I Don’t Have Time For Time Management!

Do you break out in hives every time you see the words Time Management? Do you scoff at the “idiots” who believe it’s possible to manage time wisely, and think to yourself – “Yeah, right! She says that because she doesn’t work in this place!!”

I know you do, do you want to know why? Because we all feel the same way. Our job is too hectic, our boss is too demanding, everything needs to get done immediately, these files are urgent… Yes, well, the fact still remains that some things do need to be done immediately, some can actually be delegated, and others just don’t make any sense anymore. So, how do you juggle everything in your job description?

OK, not reinventing the wheel here, there are hundreds of resources out there to help; all you need to do is choose the ones that work for you. Some tried and true suggestions are:

1. Pay attention to your attention. Make note of what distracts you and try to eliminate it as much as possible.
2. Keep a time log so you can examine how you currently spend your time.
3. Search the web for time management tools you can implement. See Time Management matrix in part II of our series.
4. Learn to say No. Challenge the tendency to say Yes without understanding the demands of the task asked of you.
5. Notice how others misuse your time.
6. Check emails and voicemail messages at planned times such as early morning and after lunch.
7. Scrutinize your tasks and eliminate steps that waste time and effort. Dare to question the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” attitude.
8. Set goals and stick to them. If you’ve identified that listening to music distracts you then turn the volume down while you concentrate on the task at hand.
9. Rethink your systems, the way you file emails, client folders, patient’s files. If it takes you a long time to do something then rethink the way you’re doing it.
10. Prioritize. No, let me say it like this: PRIORITIZE. Remember if everything is equally urgent and important than nothing is and nothing will get done. See Time Management matrix in part II of our series.
11. Re-condition your environment. Involve and engage your colleagues and your manager (usually the main source of time management issues). It’s in everyone’s interest and you should request and expect their support.
12. Take a break. Don’t have lunch at your desk, go out, see people, breathe some fresh air, re-energize yourself. The renewed oomph will do you good and you’ll be able to tackle things in a better frame of mind.

Check back for part II of our series as we delve into the Time Management Matrix.

Monica F

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