subject: Making Use Of An Activity Log As A Time Management Planner [print this page] Making Use Of An Activity Log As A Time Management Planner
So many people struggle with time management, yet so few actually know where the time goes. It is amazing how few people will actually take the time to create a time management planner to determine where exactly the lost time comes from. This is precisely why it is vital you make use of an activity log today to find where you can save time.
A lot of people learn they function at different levels of effectiveness at different times of the day. You may be more apt to take on a task if you have just eaten, just woke up from a nap, or are clear headed after relaxing.
An activity log will help you identify what you are doing and when. Many are shocked to see the amount of time they waste throughout the day chatting online, goofing around on Facebook, or simply watching television.
So how do you use this as a time management planner? All it takes is keeping an activity log a few days to identify exactly where your time goes. It is vital you log everything throughout the day along with the time you begin the activity. This will help you determine what you are doing, when you are doing it and for how long it goes on.
In addition to logging what you are doing, jot down how you feel. Are you bored which has led you to jumping on Facebook? Are you tired resulting in the extra time spent on the couch watching TV? Every little detail can help you find the underlying cause for wasted time throughout the day.
After logging your time for a few days it is time to analyze your daily lifestyle. While it can be discouraging to see how much time really does get wasted each day, it can show you a number of things. It can help you determine when you may be more energetic or tired or willing to work.
Simple analysis will help you free up a tremendous amount of time in your every day life. You may find your employer is dumping jobs on you that you are not even getting paid for, which can be eliminated. You may need to complete the most challenging tasks toward the beginning of the day when you have the highest energy. Or you may just find it is time to eliminate the amount of time spent on personal activities like Facebook, checking out scores and statistics in sports, or planning the next vacation. This is precisely why having a time management planner is extremely helpful.