Being efficient is much different than being effective. Learn why this concept is so important and how it applies to time management.

Some people are very efficient. They:

• answer 5 emails at a time with ease
• talk, text, surf the web, and paint their toenails simultaneously
• drink their coffee in 12.7 seconds

But that’s not being effective.

Yes, efficiency gives them more time, but they cram that extra time with more coffee breaks and toe-nail painting sessions.

What if that same person had 3 executive reports due this week, and 5 overdue projects with customers eagerly watching their inboxes for an update?

Shouldn’t that same person be spending their time:

• Compiling pressing reports
• Performing high-level planning and directing their their team
• Proactively reaching out to customers to touch-base on needs

These are the activities that will truly make a difference – both to the organization and to the individual’s future career and life.

So who cares if it takes you a couple more seconds to answer those emails? Maybe they don’t need to be answered at all, or just not right away.

Instead, focus on the results. Do this exercise:

1. Ask yourself…what are all of the activities on my plate? What about major goals or things I’d like to do?
2. Write the activities down and categorize them in terms of importance. Label with A,B,C. 1,2,3. Hot, Super Hot, On Fire…whatever makes most sense to you.
3. Write down by when. By what date (or how often) would you like to do this?

If you do all of your “A” tasks by the date they’re due, you will have accomplished about 80% of all the important work on your plate. Great job!

But wait…can’t tasks change from A to B to C…then back to A? Why, yes, sure they can!

You also get more tasks hitting your plate every day, tasks become irrelevant, tasks shuffle in terms of importance, some tasks are important but you’re waiting on feedback from others before you can proceed!

<phew!>

So now you can see…it takes a process. Being effective means having a clear grasp on what’s important and when it needs to be done. Then, you do it!

This takes:

• Daily maintenance
• Tools
• Note taking
• Proactive thinking
• Perseverance
• Integrity

No more “Aggggh! The sky is falling and I’m answering 5 emails at a time!”

That same scenario now becomes “Wow, there’s a ton of tasks on my plate. Which tasks are truly important, and which should I do right now?”

So how do you do that daily maintenance, use the tools, take the notes, etc.? That’s what this website is all about! Keep coming back for more time management help as we continue to add more tips, reviews, and articles.

And when it comes to time management, don’t be efficient. Be effective!

I’ve torn through book after book on personal effectiveness, tape after tape on time management.

When I came across an idea I liked, I tried it. I kept the ideas that worked and tossed the ones that didn’t.

I’ve tried all kinds of:

• pocket organizers and notebooks
• calendar setups
• proactive planning exercises
• planning software
• to-do lists and systems

All with varying degrees of success. That is until I narrowed down the ones that work best for me.

Which brings me to an interesting point…

Time Management is Personal

Your time is personal, why wouldn’t time management be the same?

Just because a technique works for me doesn’t mean it’ll work well for you. We each have a different:

• Learning Style
• Organization Style
• Creative Approach
• Critical Thought Process

And these determine which time management techniques will be most effective.

How do you know which time management techniques will work best for you?

Simple. Give it a try!

As you read time management literature and come across an idea you like, try it. Implement that idea for at least 2 weeks and see if it fits you.

Like a new pair of leather shoes, there’s an initial break-in period with some discomfort. But eventually the shoes mold to your feet, and they feel great.

You’ll know if you picked shoes that don’t fit, and you can always return them. But if you don’t try them out, you’ll never know!

So go ahead and try on a new time management technique or two, and see how you like them.

I’ll be posting more here every day. I hope that you benefit from my tips and experiences, and hope to see you back soon.

Best Regards,

Scott