Effective Time Management example essay topic

Time Management 1 RUNNING HEAD: SUCCEEDING AT TIME MANAGEMENT Succeeding at Time Management Jeanie Seidel mann July 2, 2003 Time Management 2 Success of Time Management Good time management is one of the core differences between success, mediocrity, and ineffective people. In business, money and time are both important. A business may focus on profit, expenses, and budget. A successful businessperson should focus on the effectiveness of spending time (Control your Time, 2001-2003).

To begin managing time, you will need a clear understanding of how to use your time and how to properly plan your day. We will then look at how to use that time more effectively, how to create time, goal setting, and rewards. Effective time management is the focus on results and not the art of being busy. Planning and Organization To begin, take a personal survey to track how you spend your time.

This will allow you to estimate time spent on current activities, time wasters, and dead time. Use a log to evaluate this, and track your activities for a week or so. Determine what is important, what could enhance performance, what to avoid, and what to eliminate. Know your energy levels, outside stressors, and how to block out negativity.

Using time to think, plan, and organize is time well spent. In fact, if you fail to take time for planning, you are, in fact, planning to fail (Prochaska-Cue, 1995). Get a system, a planner, or calendar to help stay organized. This will help lay the groundwork for planning and organization your time and goals. Another suggestion is to combine tasks. While commuting to work or school, listen to taped notes or brainstorm.

During your lunch break, read some research or a book. While watching television, write out your bills. You will need to prioritize your time and activities. Use the 80/20 rule originally stated by the Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto.

He notes that 80% of the reward comes from 20% of the effort. Prioritize, isolate, and identify the valuable 20%. Once it is identified, you will be able to concentrate on those items that will inhibit the greatest reward (Prochaska-Cue, 1995). Time Management 3 Setting Goals You may also need to adjust your mindset.

Avoid being a perfectionist for no one is perfect. Setting unreachable goals or difficult tasks may result in procrastination. You will need to set achievable goals, but set goals that will challenge you. Setting goals will raise your self confidence, help you realize your competence level, and enhance your abilities. Set goals that are specific, measurable, realistic, and achievable. Your optimum goals are those which cause you to stretch but not break as you strive for achievement (Prochaska-Cue, 1995).

When setting your goals, express them positively and be precise. Schedule dates, times, and write down the end achievement so they can be measured. Noted management expert, Peter Drucker, says "doing the right thing is more important that doing things right. Doing the right thing is effective and doing things right is efficient. First focus on effectiveness and then shift your concentration on efficiency (Prochaska-Cue, 1995). Once the goal is reached, you can take complete satisfaction from having it completed.

Rewards Reward yourself for reaching your goals. Whether it is a small success or great achievement, celebrate your accomplishments. Promise yourself a reward for completing each goal or finishing the job. Then keep your promise.

Doing so will help you maintain a balance between work and play. As Ann McGee states, "if we learn to balance excellence in work with excellence in play, fun, and relaxation, our lives become happier, healthier, and a great deal more creative". (McGee, 1983). By using effective skills and time management, you will increase your own effectiveness. You will become more productive at work and enhance your job security. Understanding what is expected of you, concentrate on those things, be in control, and reap the benefits.

Time Management 4 Discussion. In conclusion, to be successful at time management, you will need to evaluate yourself, keep a log or calendar, prioritize, set goals, and most importantly, reward your accomplishments. Enjoy and maintain the balance between work and your life outside from work. It is easier to find something to do with extra time then to find extra time to do something. Time Management 5

Bibliography

Drucker, P. (1966).
The effective executive. New York: Harper & Row. King, R. (2002).
Make cents of your time. Retrieved July 1, 2003, from web Prochaska-Cue, K.
1995).
Thirteen timely tips for more effective personal time management {Electronic version}. Retrieved July 1, 2003, from web Time management: control your time.
2001-2003).