Tick tock... are you free??

I feel that I am very good at managing my time and delegations. I love organization and when I began training for SAI time was of major importance therefore EXCELLENT time management skills are needed. We live in such a fast paced world today and everyone struggles with time and the need to 'have time. So the following tips are things that I use to maximize my time.

Ten Time saving tips:

1. I love my planner... it keeps me organized mostly and helps me remember important dates. If you are busy and rushed how on earth are you going to remember what you told 'Jane' you were going to do three days from now?! Organization is the key to life, in my opinion... if you are not organized you will always be wasting time, money and effort... and if not yours, someone else's. 
2. Plan in pencil. For me this is a big deal. Things happen, plans change.. don't be so bogged down in your schedule that you can't flex for the ways of life. 
3. Prioritize, do what needs to be done first! If you have a deadline on something that needs to go before something you have an endless amount of time to accomplish. 
4. Do things that matter most to you. If you do what matters you will be fulfilled, as well as still being able to accomplish your goals. Don't spend all your time doing something you can't stand... in the end when it is time to do the things you don't mind you will be do tired and worn out to do anything... this only causes more frustration.
5. Take time to relax. Even if just for 15 minutes... if you are running crazy all the time you will burn out. If you stop, even if for a short period, it gives you time to recoup and regroup.
6. Put away distractions. If you know there is a show on, or you love to text your best friend... or the infamous facebook looms in your corner.. TURN OFF electronics. (this ties in with #7)
7. Set goals. If you have something specific you want to do; set a goal of things to get done before you do it. Say, you want to check facebook.... but you have laundry and homework. Finish two loads of laundry and do a set amount of homework before you even think of turning on the computer.
8. Get adaquate sleep. If you can't function properly because of lack of sleep you aren't helping. You will work less effectively and less efficiently. This makes you have to REDO things.. aka NOT productive at all!
9. Mix and match things to do. When you have school work, house work, professional work or even homework.. Try to accomplish something from each area... To me, this keeps me from getting burnt out on doing school work, or tired of cleaning. Like on the weekends I do my laundry when I do my homework. When a load buzzes, it is time for a short study break. After a brief respite, I am ready to do more homework! 
10. Self discipline and self control. You are in control. If you need to get something done, don't willingly get on facebook to complain about how much you have to do.... are you kidding? You just wasted five precious minutes!

When I am super stressed and have a crazy week ahead I try to remember each of these things. When you work hard and stay focused you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish!