10 Effective and Maximizing Time Management Tips

It is too often I hear folks speak of being super busy and not having enough time to do certain things that they like to do. They talk of having too much going. I feel time, like money, can be managed well and maximized. We all have 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week. Ultimately we do make time for the more important things. However, here are 10 tips that have helped me through the years that allow me to work a full time job, write and blog, workout four-five times/week, and still have time to go out, get proper rest, and do other recreational activities.

1.    Buy yourself a notepad.

 

Wal-Mart sells notepads extremely cheap. They could supplement a day planner or your organizer on your smartphone. You can write down things and reminders throughout the day, add things to various lists (to-do, grocery, honey-do). Notepads can be awesome even in our technology age. You can always use a sheet of paper for something, and these notepads can help you plan and organize more effectively.

2. Set a daily and weekly schedule.

Map out your schedule, day by day, hour by hour, for the entire week. Consider it like a time diary. After about a week, you will start knowing where your time is going and where to adjust. A consistent routine helps as you eventually condition your body and mind to do certain things on certain days at certain times.

3. Plan ahead for big dates and events.

If you know an important birthday, holiday, or occasion is on the way, plan ahead for that. See if you need to take time off from your job, make the time to buy anything necessary for that day. If you're traveling, plan your route carefully. Before I got a GPS, I would use MapQuest and plan my route down there and back, and have all my directions on one sheet.

4. Make time for family and friends, and even relaxation.

Being a busy working parent and adult can be taxing. Your family and friends deserve your time, and you should allot a certain period for them, preferably a couple of days, maybe even a week. They won't be around forever, so you want to see them while you can. Also, schedule and take personal time for yourself.  An hour per day can make a huge difference. This is important for refocusing, recharging and relaxation.

5. Sacrifice things that are insignificant and irrelevant.

Often you need rest and time to yourself, and to sacrifice other things to accomplish your tasks. You may not be able to go to that movie or that football game, but there is work to be done. It is a balancing and a prioritizing act. You must know what is most important to you in your life and what can be left on the back burner.

6. Check your daily schedule/routine daily and make adjustments as necessary.

Adjustments will often be needed. You may have to pencil in something or someone into a packed day, or you may be needed at some capacity (working late, taking on a different project). Or,  more time may have opened up, or you may get sick. Stay organized but also be flexible.

7. Account and prepare for emergencies and setbacks.

This is an extension of #6. There are many things that happen that are out of control, such as acts of God, or family problems. Become self-disciplined enough so when these situations arise, you aren't left all paranoid on how you will get things done. There is no room for procrastination.

8. Prepare and plan constantly and consistently.

There's an old saying "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Often you must forecast beyond unforeseen circumstances. Again, don't procrastinate and put off certain things. It could get worse, and end up being more time consuming. It's similar to maintaining your body, house and/or vehicle. Proper planning can help keep you on track.

9. Learn to say no when overwhelmed.

The word "no" can be your friend. Be flexible but if you cannot fit it in your schedule or budget, don't worry. Also, don't double book yourself. That can cause you not focusing your full attention and wearing you out.

10. Make sure your time and money are consistent and sync up.

Time is money so be mindful of how you spend both. Manage your vacation time at work so when you take off, you have enough days for other occasions. Also, don't plan for a week's vacation when you can only afford three days. Both time and money are valuable, and cannot be used loosely. You have to make you what you're doing with both is worthwhile.

 

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Seven Types of Critics

Criticism is an aspect that's necessary, but can be way overblown. Not only do TV shows, movies, music, and even food get criticized, so do people. Authors, coaches, athletes, politicians. If you're in the public eye in any fashion, you are subject to criticism. 
There are several right and wrong ways to criticize someone. Here are seven ways/types of critics.

1. The mean, negative cynic.

They seem to never have any good to say. They are steadily ready for you to screw up so they can tell you all about it. Then even when you're doing good, they revert back to that one bad effort, one mistake. They are only looking at the bad, and seeing the glass as completely empty.

2.  The Hater

We have seen this popularized during the days of Showtime At The Apollo, even with Waldorf and Statler (the two older men from the Muppets). They can also be called hecklers. They don't even offer any useful advice to help you improve, and are similar to the Cynic. They are only looking for flaws. The Haters are so jealous and bitter about who you are and what you're doing, they're trying to tear you down in any way, shape, or form. They may even point to things irrevelant to what you are doing. Perfect example here would be the Haters and Cynics talking trash about Gabby Douglas's hair during the Olympics, rather than focusing on her performance. That is pure hating when you have no motive and your main mission is to put down that person.

3. The Analyzer

This person is not always negative, or even nitpicking. Rather they are like an ESPN sports analyst, or a CNN political analyst. They are looking at every aspect of the person, place or thing they are criticizing. They can go overboard, as they get down to the nitty gritty with details on how that person chews their gum, their technique, how they move their hands, or how the special effects in a movie weren't special enough. Nothing is left to chance with an Analyzer.

4. The Non Researcher

This is another bad type of critic. You could even call them like a Rush Limbaugh or a Don Imus. They like to hurl insults, accusations, and assumptions, but have no real proof or evidence to support any of these claims. I'm the type of person where if you're going to say something about myself, my writings, my family, or what have you, back yourself up. Don't have yourself looking foolish. Tell the entire story, not just parts of it that make that person look worse. Give a full, truthful detail of what's going on.

5. The Kind and Gentle

This critic mostly has only has nice things to say. If they make a negative or disparaging comment, they look for something they like, something kind and positive. They want to keep you on the up and up. I call my mom my kindest critic because this is how she is. She doesn't like to put anyone down so when she has to critique something, she does it with love and kindness.

6. The Constructor

Constructive criticism is an awesome balance. It isn't always nice, but it's usually truthful and helpful. The Constructor sees the flaws, and may offer a solution to correct that flaw to make you better. The idea is improving upon what you're doing, helping you to grow.

7. The Mentor/Coach

Good mentors and coaches provide constructive criticism and offer a balance of things and suggestions designed to motivate and help you be your best. At times you may be mad or hurt at what they say. However, their main goal is helping you reach your potential. A Coach or Mentor like critique is working with you to improve that handicap or weakness. They note it, and want to assist you into fixing it, or making it a strength or a positive. Often we remember these critiques the best because these are the ones that are God-sent and meant to elevate us, rather than tear us down. They come from that loving, caring place that The Kind And Gentle are from, but it is more advanced and suited to assist you. It is designed to be a learning experience.

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