Time Management Evaluation

1. Number of hours of sleep each night                                              ________ X 7 = _______

2. Number of grooming hours per day                                                ________ X 7 = _______

3. Number of hours for meals/snacks per day - include preparation time

                                                 ________ X 7 = ______

4a. Total travel time weekdays                                                   ________ X 5= ______

4b. Total travel time weekends                                                                                   _______

5. Number of hours per week for regularly scheduled functions (clubs, church, get-togethers, etc.)                                                                                   _______

6. Number of hours per day for chores, errands, extra grooming, etc.                      _______ X 7 = _______

7. Number of hours of work per week                                                                        _______

8. Number of hours in class per week                                                                         _______

9. Number of average hours per week (entertainment) socializing, tv, internet, phone, dates, etc.                                                                                                                                                               _______

10. Number of hour per week in other activities not mentioned above                                       _______

Now add up the totals:                                                                                                                                                               _______

Subtract the above number from 168

168 - _______ = _______

If you went over 168 hours per week, then you are either really great at multi-tasking, or there really aren’t enough hours in your day.

If you have hours leftover, think carefully about how those can be best designated.  Or perhaps you had trouble figuring out how you spend your time.  Consider keeping a log for a few days to show where your time goes.

Regardless of your final outcome, evaluate how you spend most of your time.  How do you spend the least amount of time?  Does how you spend your time reflect what is truly important to you?  Are there areas in which you would like to see an increase or decrease in the amount of time you spend each week?

Out of Time

Are you overwhelmed with all the tasks you need to complete?  Does it feel like there are never enough hours in the day?  Is the stress from your never-ending “to-do list” affecting your health?  Here are some tips to help you manage your time more effectively.

Plan ahead.  You may say, “But I don’t have time to make a plan!”  Planning is always time well spent.  Think about what tasks you need to complete and if there are any solutions to help you complete them faster.  Are your pharmacy, bank, grocery, and dry cleaners all in different parts of town?  Taking time to choose options that are located close together will save you a lot of time in the long run.

How can you arrive if you don’t have a destination?  Set goals so you get where you want to go, but be realistic.  Don’t set yourself up to fail.  Each day select tasks that you can realistically complete that day and hold yourself accountable.

Prioritize. Try the ABC or 123 Method.  Look at your task list and label items to be completed today with an “A” or “1.”  Label items to be completed this week with a “B” or “2.”  Then write a “C” or “3” next to tasks that need to be finished this month.  If you like colors, use highlighters or markers.  If you need pictures, draw a symbol or purchase stickers to indicate priorities.  Just be sure to choose a method that makes sense to you.

Learn the difference between urgent and important.  Just because something demands your attention doesn’t mean it is important.  If you are working on something that is truly important, phone calls and e-mails can wait.  Designate a time to work on an important project and limit as many distractions as possible.  Don’t answer the phone, surf the web, or look at e-mail.  If it is appropriate, shut your door and put a sign on it that says, “Do Not Disturb Until…,” and write in the time you will be available again.  Imagine how much you could complete in an hour with no distractions!

Learn to say “No.”  Having a task list or daily schedule can help with this.  If you are already overwhelmed with what you have to do and have a list to refer to, you may find it easier to say no.

Delegate.  Are there any jobs you do now that could be delegated to someone else?  Think hard, some things may not be obvious.  Do you have children who are old enough to fold and/or put away their own laundry?  Think about how much time that could save you each week.

Multi-task.  Think about the time you spend on mindless activities such as brushing your teeth, showering or waiting.  What things can you work on while waiting in line at the grocery, drive-thru or school?

Recharge.  Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to make time to rest and relax.  Schedule it in if you have to.  Flight attendants tell you in an emergency to put on your own oxygen mask first.  You won’t be able to help anyone else without it.  Take care of yourself first so you are able to care for others as well.

Would you like help assessing how you spend your time?  Check out our Time Management Evaluation at www.theorderoutofchaos.com/articles

Kendra Husk is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Order Out Of Chaos, LLC.  You can get a free Order Out Of Chaos Motivational-Pak filled with simple tips to help you get organized.  Simply visit her Web site: http://www.theorderoutofchaos.com or e-mail her at kendra@theorderoutofchaos.com  or call (502)322-7170.

Would you like for someone else to help you evaluate how you spend your time?  Kendra can help you reorganize how you spend your time so you can spend it doing what is truly important to you.