1. Schedule your time
An easy way to manage your time is by using activity logs, prioritised to-do lists, and action plans. This way, if you feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day, you can take control of your time by monitoring where it goes. Use rewards and deadlines to help you stay on track. Avoid time wasters like surfing the Web and e-mail.
2. Organize.
Bringing your time into line isn’t just a matter of scheduling. The mechanics of how you operate can be every bit as important. That means organizing most every element to allow as smooth a workflow as possible. Everything should be set up using logical systems so anyone needing anything can find it when they need it. Eliminating clutter and the chaos it causes will give you a gift of 240 to 288 hours every year.
3. Use technology.
Although personal habits and practices can do wonders for time management, don’t overlook technology as yet another weapon to make the most effective use of your workday. For instance, Microsoft Business Contact Manager lets you organize a wide array of customer and product particulars, allowing quick and easy access. “Sticky notes are one of the worst things in the world,” says McGonagle. “You should live by your database. That way, nothing is ever forgotten.”
4. Learn to say ‘no’
If you want to buck the trend towards putting in ‘face time’ and incorporate some real balance into your life, then learn to say ‘no’ to unreasonable demands and leave the office on time without feeling guilty. Saying ‘no’ with respect is not only effective, it feels good, too.
5. Ask for help
There’s nothing worse than feeling stressed and overwhelmed because you’re trying to do everything yourself. Fortunately, letting go and learning to delegate will help you work smarter not harder, and can develop your leadership skills, too. Take baby steps by delegating one task at a time to people you can trust.
6. Be web savvy
When creating a better work-life balance, don’t neglect the convenience of technology. A growing number of companies now offer their services online, making many time-consuming chores a thing of the past. Banking, paying bills, and grocery shopping can all be done electronically, cutting stress and freeing-up valuable time.
7. Look after your health
Constant exposure to stress can lead to exhaustion and burn out. To keep the effects of stress on your health to a minimum, make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Relaxation is also a great stress-buster, so make time for your favourite hobby daily.
8. Focus on end results
To keep yourself motivated, it’s important to focus on positive outcomes as much as possible. Action is a natural enemy of procrastination, so consider visualising the extra time you’ll be able to spend with your family to spur you on to reach maximum effectiveness daily
9. Take time out for you
Know when to shut things down. Resist the temptation to let work spill over into your personal life. Instead, keep your personal life for family time alone, and make sure you create clearly designated boundaries for work and personal tasks. Consider ‘unplugging’ regularly from your laptop, email and mobile phone; the minute you leave the office is ideal.
As much as your work and family takes priority in your life, it’s important that you schedule “me time”. Taking just one hour, once a week to do something for yourself can do wonders for your wellbeing — and your relationships and career will benefit too. It doesn’t need to be a visit to a day spa (although that’s a great idea!) — take a novel to the park and enjoy the outdoors, play a round of golf, visit the gym or go for a long, relaxing walk … just make sure you get away from it all and give your mind a chance to wander.
10. Use up your annual leave
Most of us are allowed four weeks or more annual leave a year, but rarely take it. Remember, it’s there for a reason — to provide you with some much needed R&R.
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