Make the Most of Your Energy

When you manage your time, instead of being ruled by it, you will have more time for all the areas of your life. You will be able to implement a productive and enjoyable rhythm of resting and doing.

The 80:20 Rule

The Pareto Principle, or the '80:20 Rule'. This says that typically 80% of unfocussed effort generates only 20% of results. The remaining 80% of results are achieved with only 20% of the effort. While the ratio is not always 80:20, this broad pattern of a small proportion of activity generating non-scalar returns recurs so frequently that it is the norm in many situations.

For effective time management, you will learn to put your time into tasks that give high results. This ensures that you achieve the greatest benefit possible with your limited time.

Eight Ways to Make the Most of Your Energy and Your Time

1. Be clear about your priorities. Write them down. Note what you need to do today, this week, this month, this quarter. Be prepared for this list of priorities to be dynamic. Keep re-assessing so that you continue to have the most helpful priorities at the top of your list.

2. Use your "Prime Time" for high priority items. Each of us has a time in the day when our energy is best, our thinking is clearer, and we are generally more productive. This is your "Prime Time". Use it wisely.

3. Use your "Down Time" for non-creative infrastructure tasks. We all need to open mail, answer emails, file things, etc. When your energy and creativity are low is a wonderful time for these tasks. This can be calming and stress relieving too.

4. Give yourself structure. Structure supports our creativity ­ it doesn't impede it! Structure creates the supports that help us "stay on track" so as to fully honor our commitments.

5. Reduce Procrastination. There are usually two causes for procrastination. Either you are overwhelmed in some way by the task ... or you simply do not like the task and you do not want to start. Notice the reasons for your procrastination and address your needs. Try these three way to reduce procrastination.

6. Finished Projects, or segments of projects. Jumping from project to project without resolution of the previous project, leaving tasks partly done, constantly switching priorities all contribute to wasting time. Treat every day like the day before vacation ­ tie up loose ends! You'll have more energy, less stress and renewed focus the following day.

7. Manage your interruptions. They pull you from your priority items. Distractions, drop-in visitors, unplanned telephone calls all add up.Let your answer service take calls when possible. Then you can call back at the time that is best for you.

8. Take charge of your email - Look at your email ONLY at specific times, not intermittently throughout the day.