Effective Time Management Tools

How does your day usually begin? Do you start your day with coffee and a To Do list? Or maybe you kill a couple of hours before you decide to get dressed and get “something” done. Without an effective time management plan and time management tools, you could be wasting a lot of time every day.

Before I share some of the most-used time management tools proven effective, I have a quick tip for you. If you already have a time management system in place that works for you, don’t try to change it. The only reason you should try something different is if what you are doing still isn’t aiding in your daily productivity.

If you are having trouble staying focused and on-task, it may be time for you to buckle down and start using some tried-and-true tools to more effectively manage your time. These ideas may not be anything new, but they are certainly the best of the best and will help harness your time and get more done.

Time Management Tool #1: Paper Planner/Calendar

Have you been sucked into the digital vortex of planner systems? I recently went through, telling myself I had to have an electronic PDA. I wasted hours looking at them and reading reviews. I even put in a few bids on eBay. When I finally bought one and didn’t like it, I decided electronic does not always mean better.

Get yourself a monthly/weekly paper planner and use it to keep track of your meetings and other important information. Jot notes to yourself and write your daily To Do lists in it. The paper planner has been proven to be one of the most effective time management tools available. You don’t have to wait for it to power up. Just open, look, write, and you’re done.

Time Management Tool #2: Accountability Partner

No, you can’t put your accountability partner in your pocket and carry her around with you everywhere. But this is the second best time management tool you could ever attain. Look for someone who is driven and focused. You don’t want an accountability partner who will give you excuses for not working. You need someone you can call to give a quick run-through of your priorities for the day, who will check back with you in a few hours to see what you’ve accomplished and make sure you are staying focused.

Time Management Tool #3: Daily Schedule or To Do List

I briefly mentioned this in the first tip, but a daily list of things that need to be done is an essential element of your time management system. If you don’t have any idea of everything that needs to be finished, you will be much more likely to squander you time away. Write your list either the night before, or first thing in the morning. You’ll find yourself more productive earlier in the day, and you’ll be much more likely to get a lot more done during the day.