Time management

How pleasant it is, at the end of the day,

No follies to have to repent;

But to reflect on the past and be able to say,

That my time has been properly spent.

By Jane Taylor. Rhymes for the Nursery. The Way to be Happy.

Three rules of time management

• Know thyself!
• Know how you react, approaches to efficiency, life, yourself
• Just say no!
• “In a nice way”; most people are flattered, want to do the job. The more confident they are, the harder it becomes to refuse.
• Just do it!

Feeling overwhelmed?

• The five mega-realities
• Population growth
• Expanding volume of knowledge
• Provide access to print formats
• Media growth and electronic addition
• Sensation attracts attention
• Paper trail culture
• Over-abundance of choices

Ten ways to be more productive
How is time spent? Keep track of accomplishments and priorities. Know how time is spent. Identify time wasters.

• The to-do list
• Short
• Manageable
• 3-5 items
• Then prioritize
• Prioritize
• Schedule
• Avoid scraps of paper
• Buy an organizer/planner
• Keep to one
• Write scripts for phone calls
• Learn to say NO
• Recognize your peak energy times
• Stop being the designated expert
• No one likes the know-it-all
• Avoid unnecessary meetings
• Use body language
• Discourage impromptu visitors

Why do we procrastinate?

• Lack of confidence in the ability to perform
• Failure to set goals and establish priorities
• Becoming overwhelmed by a seemingly insurmountable task
• Fearing the consequences of failure or success
• Not knowing how to plan activities

REMEMBER PERFECTIONISM AND PROCRASTINATION GO HAND IN HAND

The one single task strategy

• Define the goal
• Think backward (divide and conquer)
• Define one single task
• Focus only on that task

The four D’s approach to paper clutter

• Do it now
• Delegate it to someone
• Delay it
• Drop it in the wastebasket

Time management at home

• Outsourcing
• Housework
• Yard work
• Using your computer to its fullest
• Calendar/Planner software
• Word Processing software
• Database Management software
• Electronic Banking/Bill Payment
• Electronic shopping
• Streamline tasks/errands

Time shift rituals

• Drive 10 mph slower
• Take a moment before eating
• Spend five minutes in your driveway before entering your house
• Shower after work
• Honor the process itself

Suggested readings

• Albsmeyer, Betty. “Interruptions and Crises – It’s a Normal Day.” The U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*DTM Librarian (Issue #64): 8
• Berner, Andrew. “The Importance of Time Management in a Small Library.” Special Libraries v. 78 (Fall 1987): 271-276.
• Davidson, Jeff. “’Overworked Americans’ or Overwhelmed Americans”. Business Horizons v. 37 (January/February 1994): 62-66.
• *Gleeson, Kerry. “Do It Now: Put These Three Words on Your Wall, Write Them on Your Calendar, They will Surely Change Your Life.” Executive Female v. 18 (Jan/Feb 1995): 50-54.
• *Gothberg, Helen M. “Time Management and the Woman Library Manager.” Library Journal v. 112 (May 1, 1987): 37-40.
• Rechtschaffen, Stephan. “Time-Shifting: Slowing Down to live Longer.” Psychology Today v. 26 (Nov/Dec 1993): 32-36.
• Stoffer, Shellie. “Time and Life Management from Both Sides of the Brain.” Journal for Quality & Participation v. 17 (June 1994): 84-87.
• Wheeler, Carol. “Just (Don’t) Do It: Time Management Tips for Recovering those Lost Hours – and Your Peace of Mind.” Executive Female v. 20 (May/June 1997): 42-45.
• Yeager, Neil. “30 Things You can do to Save Time Today.” Women in Business. v. 44 (March 1992): 14-15.