Managing time doesn’t have to be challenging. The following are some suggestions on how to organize a schedule for success:
• Identify goals and priorities.
• Know when you are most productive and alert and schedule more intensive tasks then.
• List big tasks as far in advance as possible; break them into workable bites; and commit more time than necessary to meeting them.
• Use a scheduling device consistently (electronic or paper) to chart out tasks. Evaluate your efforts daily and make realistic adjustments. (See the “tasks” and calendar functions in Microsoft Outlook, available to employees.)
• Identify time stealers and how to overcome them.
• Use less productive times to do mundane, routine tasks.
• Alternate topics, never work on one project or topic for a long time. You will retain more knowledge and stay more interested.
• Schedule time to relax and exercise, so you are on top of your game.
• Eat wisely, choose quantities and types of food that will keep you at peak performance when working.
• Get sufficient sleep, your performance and health will suffer if you don’t.
• Check the Web. Type “time management” into any search engine to find time-assessment charts, printable calendars and additional tips to suit any schedule.
• Use SkillSoft online training, www.hrs.wsu.edu/skillsoft; it’s free to all faculty, staff and students.