Effective time management is a primary means to a less stressful life. These practices can help you reduce your stress and reclaim your personal life.
By Mayo Clinic staff
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects you have that need to be completed at work each day? Do you often feel the day flies by without your devoting the necessary attention to each assignment because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can’t get it all organized?
You probably know that effective time management will help you get more done each day. It has important health benefits, too. By managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your quality of life.
But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don’t come naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it for two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding another one. If not, try a different one.
- Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
- Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you.
- Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
- Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
- Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
- Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
- Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
- Evaluate how you’re spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you’re spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
- Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and e-mail.
- Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.
- Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn’t have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.
- Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
Ask for professional help
If you’re too frazzled to think about trying any of these tips, it’s time to ask for help. Does your life feel totally out of control? If so, contact your employee assistance program (EAP) at your workplace for assistance, or discuss your situation with your doctor.
I received an email from a friend of mine who sent me a link to this video and many others like it. A group of transformational leaders were a part of a movement called “Engage Today” event which was held in Canada. I’ve included a brief excerpt from their blog to give you a sample of what Sean talked about during the event. After watching this video I found myself re-examining my priorities. I also experienced a transformational shift in my mindset in terms of what success really means to me, and what’s truly possible for my life.
I am sharing this with you today because I think the world needs more people like Sean out there inspiring others to unleash their greatness. I ask each of you to think about the following questions. How will you change your world today? How will you change the world today? What actions will you take today to overcome obstacles in order to reach your goals and dreams. How will you connect with others in the world today? How will you make a difference in lives of other people? Will you leave a legacy behind after you die?
It’s your time to shine! I hope you are inspired to unleash your greatness, as I was, after hearing Sean and several other transformational thought leaders speak. This is an excerpt from their blog, which sums it up very well….
Inspiring Your Greatness!
John
______________________________________________________________
“Engage Today 2009″ Excerpt
“If you’re letting excuses hold you back from getting what you want, this video training with Sean Stephenson is exactly what you need. Talk about an inspiring guy who kicks your excuses a kick in the butt!
Known as the 3 Foot Giant (because he’s literally only 3 feet tall), Sean Stephenson was supposed to die at birth. Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, he defied the odds simply by living. Born with a condition that makes his bones as brittle as toothpicks, he endured more than 200 broken bones in his first several years of life.
Sean has all the good ‘reasons’ in the world to be a victim, and have people feel sorry for him. He was going to be taken care of by others for his entire life.
Until he decided that he wasn’t going to stand for that.
Sean is a true role model of the spirit of the human race, and he’s inspired millions of people around the world to Take a Stand, and get off their ‘but’.
In this remarkable and touching video, Sean reveals:
-
How to keep moving forward, even against painful and frightening obstacles
-
What we all share in common, regardless of who we are (and how to harness those commonalities)
-
What it is that keeps us from achieving our dreams and desires
-
Why connection is so important, and how to achieve it with those that matter to you
Sean’s presentation was one of the most popular sessions at the 4 day Engage Today event, and I’m pretty sure if you’ve never heard of him before, Sean’s going to be a new role model and mentor for you”. Here is the link to the video http://www.EngageToday2009.com/engageblog. I hope it inspires you and shifts your thinking.
What are your biggest fears and challenges in reaching your goals and dreams ? As we begin 2010, I’m sure many of you have set new years resolutions for the upcoming year. You may also have some fears and challenges that are preventing you from reaching these goals and dreams. In the current economy you may have fears and challenges about money, or your biggest challenge may in the area of health and well-being. I am interested in finding out the answer to this question, so that I can provide you with some solutions to successfully reach your goals. Please post your answer to this question on my blog in the comments section. The link is www.blog.coachcurran.com.
I am really excited to update you on
my new career as a self empowerment coach!
As many of you know, I have been working in the medical field for over 25 years and have witnessed many people who have overcome tremendous medical challenges. I have also seen many people who have unfortunately given up on themselves and are unwilling to participate in their own rescue. During this time, I have discovered that I have a unique talent for empowering others to stretch themselves and achieve goals that they initially thought was impossible.
Today, I am writing to you to announce that I officially opened my empowerment coaching practice. I have received training through the Certified Coaches Federation and hold certifications as a Coach Practitioner, and Master Coach. I have been coaching a variety of clients such as business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals to help them manifest their goals and dreams.
My specialty is helping self-employed professionals just starting out or looking for growth in their business client base. This would include any independent professional who is looking for more clients. I also work with groups and one on one to help clients accelerate their success with goal achievement.
Here’s why I’m writing. My client base is growing steadily, mostly through referrals. Would you please be on the lookout for friends or colleagues that currently need to attract more clients? I work with people all over the country, by phone, so there’s no travel time and geography is not a concern. (That friend you may have in San Diego is as much a potential client as someone down the street from you.)
If you do see a match, will you let them know about me and vice versa? I’d love to chat with them to see if I could help. Alternatively, they can call me directly with questions at (603) 903-2592 or visit
www.coachcurran.com/home.html. If I am not the right coach however, I have colleagues who may be better suited and will happy to refer them.
Thanks for your help! If! If there’s anything I can do on my end to help you in any capacity, please let me know.
Warmly,
John
“Enriching Lives Through Coaching”
John Curran, Certified Master Coach, NLP Practitioner,
Author,Teacher, Self Empowerment Coach, and, Inspirational Speaker
CEO & Founder of Coach Curran International
P. S. Call now to discover how Self Empowerment Coaching can accelerate your success. For more information about the many products and services I offer visit www.coachcurran.com /home.html
Tags: Accelerate your success, bad things, become, become a millionaire, best day of your life, Coach Curran, Coach John Curran, CoachCurran, customer experience, customer retention, doom and gloom, dream, goals, good things, grateful, great attitude, happiness, helping others, holding fast to an idea, holistic approach, inspirational stories, inspire, John Curran, joy, knowledge, Law of Attraction, learn the basics, Life Coach, Life Coaching, Life Purpose, Life Purpose Coach, make a difference, motivate, motivation, moving forward, overcome obstacles, personal development, self-realization, Spirituality, success
Life Purpose Coaching | John Curran January 7, 2010 | 
Comments (2)
I found this fascinating quote today:
If you are unconsciously setting goals that are not in resonance with who you really are, you are likely to find a way to not reach them or at the very least sabotage the process of reaching them.
dovbaron.com, Dov Baron – Mind Mastery, Jan 2010
You should read the whole article.
When you are presented with life’s amny challenges and are feeling down and emotionally drained, consider the healing power of laughter.
Laughter is something we can all use more of in our lives. It’s fat free; 100 percent natural, has no preservatives, and costs nothing. When we laugh it reduces stress, and it strengthens our immune system. Instead of reaching for food, alcohol, or drugs when you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, take a moment to think about what this person had to say about laughter.
“laughter is the most inexpensive wonder drug. Laughter is a universal medicine”
-Bertrand Russell
I don’t know how many of you are familiar with Les Brown, but he is a world class speaker who has a laugh that is contagious. Today I received this video from a Debbie White who interviewed him about the power of laughter. Les is very funny and his stories will inspire you to make laughter a regular part of your life. When you
watch the video you will unsterstand what I’m talking about…
Wishing You a Life filled With Laughter !
John
P. S. Call now to discover how Self Empowerment Coaching can accelerate your success. For more information about the many products and services I offer visit www.coachcurran.com
Tags: Accelerate your success, bad things, become a millionaire, best day of your life, Coach Curran, Coach John Curran, CoachCurran, doom and gloom, goals, good things, great attitude, happiness, helping others, holding fast to an idea, holistic approach, inspirational stories, inspire, John Curran, joy, knowledge, laughter, Law of Attraction, Life Coach, Life Coaching, Life Purpose, Life Purpose Coach, make a difference, motivation, moving forward, overcome obstacles, personal development, self-realization, Spirituality, success, The healing power of laughter, the power of laughter, think rich
Life Purpose Coaching | John Curran January 2, 2010 |
Comments (6)
