Time is money. As such, it is essential to always be on time. Not only does being always on time reveal that you’re an organized person, but it also makes you more productive. One of the ways to accomplish this is to make a schedule. Also known as a To-Do List, a schedule reveals what you want to do and the time when you intend to do it. Most of us usually end up falling behind schedule by ten, fifteen or even thirty minutes every day. How can you avoid this?
Here are some smart ways how you can actually stay in schedule all the time.
• Stay focused on the current moment
As you work, do you keep checking your smartphone regularly? Do you spend time talking on your smartphone during meetings? Does your phone beep as you write emails? All these events usually distract you from the work at hand. They can steal minutes from your time and make you unable to follow your schedule to the letter. Therefore, stay fully focused on the current moment if you want to stay on a schedule. Avoid getting distracted by your smartphone and other electronic devices around you. Give your undivided attention to the work at hand.
• Stay active
For you to stay on schedule, it is important to always be aware of the time and act according to it. Don’t simply glance at the smart alarm clock and keep wasting time. Instead, stay actively involved and make sure that you abide by the time that it indicates. This provides you with a tool to guide your activity as you get through your schedule.
• Check on yourself regularly in reference to your schedule
As you get through the day, make the effort of checking in with yourself throughout the day. Check your schedule to find out what’s coming up in the next hour and what task you’ve got many hours from now. For example, check your schedule and note the meetings that you have as well as the time they’re posted in. Also, make note of all reports, interactions and even Rest & Recreation (R&R) sessions in your day. This helps you to stay organized and on track.
• Don’t be afraid to say no
Sometimes, your day is packed full of important activities. If your friend approaches you and requests that you head out for a 2-hour lunch, this will mess up your overall schedule. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to turn down that offer. Politely decline and proceed with your day. This helps you to stay on course.
• Review your schedule the evening before
At the end of each day, take a look at the schedule for the next day. Begin with your first appointment and proceed gradually down the list. Absorb the content of each engagement and respond accordingly. By doing this, you can absorb your schedule into the subconscious. It is an excellent way to alert yourself for the activities which come the next day.
Procrastination is a thief of time. An effective way to avoid this is to stay focused on your schedule. The tips above can help you to stay on time. They are ideal for modern professionals looking to extract maximum value from their days!