I study the use of time and how to maximize productivity and
enjoyment from it. From these studies, I have come up with the
following list of time rules:

1 – It is more important to have clear goals than to be
efficient. It is more important to work on the right things
than to work efficiently. I liken this to the person who wants
to get to Sudbury so gets in their car and drives 150 Km/hour.
Does he get there before the person who checks the map
(direction) and drives less efficiently at say 100 KM/hour?
Driving in the right direction is more important than driving
fast. I call this Leadership before Management. Leadership is
about direction, management is about efficiency. This is why I
called my CD "Time Leadership".

2 – Energy use is more important than time use. I can get much
more done if I have the right energy than if I just spend the
time. Because of this, I work on things that give me energy
(eg. exercise, working on things I am inspired by, avoiding
things that drain my energy etc.). I also try to recognize when
I am high energy and spend those time doing high productivity
tasks.

3 – Know what you have to do. I am not referring to goals here,
I am referring to specific tasks. Every course and book on time
management talks about the "TO DO" list or some variation on
it. Part of the reason for this list is to be able to
prioritize (see 1). It also helps you to know your loading. One
trick on a TO DO list is to put the first action to take to
start on that item right on the list. Eg. If I am calling a
vendor, I might need to get a briefing on the relationship as
the first step.

4 – Learn to say NO – politely of course. If you know your
goals and priorities (see 1), you will see what things you are
being asked to do that infringes on them. Having a TO DO list
helps you know if you have time (see 3).

5 – Learn tricks. For me, the best sources of tricks are from
other people who are effective in their jobs. I also get them
from books and audio programs. Some of the more effective
tricks I use are:

• Do the worst thing first thing. I choose the one thing I am
procrastinating on and spend 15 minutes on it first thing.

• I love the power of while. What can you do while you are
working out or driving (of course first priority needs to me to
drive safely).etc? Often the answer is audio books.

• I love the power of focus. This conflicts with the previous
tip but in some circumstances this is the best way to get
things done. Focus only on the task you are working on at the
time.

6 – Track how you spend your time. On the tracking sheet record
what things give you energy and what things take energy (see 2).
Determine how you think you should spend your day and from the
time sheets figure out the changes you might want to make. One
concept I have worked on is "The Perfect Day". What would be
the elements of your perfect day?

7 – Get rid of your TV, or at least control your use of it. TV
is North America's biggest time waster. I have nothing against
entertainment but I think many people use TV as a time waster
and do not get great entertainment or learning from it.

8 - Study time use. I have written many articles and published
a CD (and before that an audio tape) on Time Management. Even
though I have read 40-50 books on the topic, over 100 articles,
listened to many audio programs and attended half a dozen time
management courses, I always learn something new when I read a
new one.

Finally, many people think I am too efficient or time focused.
I do not deny that I am somewhat. However, good time use can
also lead to a fuller life. Why not spend the time you need to
spend effectively so you have more time to do other things you
want to do?


About The Author: Jim Estill is CEO of SYNNEX Canada -
http://jimestill.blogspot.com/