Time Management Skills For Turning Guesstimates Into Power Estimates For Planning Your Time

Finding Time is much easier when you can estimate how long your jobs take. If you find your guesstimates don't provide you with reliable results for planning, try following the tips listed below.

Why does estimating time for tasks become much easier when using a chart like this? For one thing, our sense of time is highly subjective. Painstakingly hunting down computer support online can drag 20 minutes into seeming like an hour. But time for lunch with a friend flies by, until you look at your watch with a jolt.

Charting your time sharpens your estimating and scheduling skills. Try this straightforward technique.

Tip#1: Prepare a typical to do list for the day ahead. From that list, select:

* One task that you enjoy,

* One you feel neutral about, and

* One you dislike.

Tip #2: Write them down. Next to each item or task, estimate how long you think you'll need to finish it. After completing each activity you've listed, record the actual time next to the estimated time. What do you learn?

Tip #3: Experiment. Shuffle the time of day when you engage in these activities. Again, record the time needed to get each job done. Ask yourself:

* When is the best time to tackle tasks that require creativity? Or focus?

* When is the most efficient time to take on a task you dislike?

* What other factors play in?

Explore your options until you pinpoint the best time to approach each project, the ideal conditions, and how much time to set aside.

Repeat Steps #1 & 2 with a new set of three tasks. Compare the results.

* If you start out with a project you've felt overwhelmed by, what happens?

* What changes do you make to complete difficult tasks?

* What patterns emerge?

Proceed until you have filled in the information for each thing you do.

Now you can schedule with success, using realistic assessments. If unexpected events eat up a portion of most days, schedule in some buffer time, as well.

This exercise works if you work. It helps you schedule activities for times you're best equipped to handle them. And you can now set aside the time you genuinely need, not what you think you 'might' need. You can proceed with more confidence in your ability to plan and feel good about the amount of work you can get done.

What is your next step to build stronger time management techniques?

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Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder, has guided individuals and organizations to effectively align values with their time choices for 35+ years. For free weekly time tips & an award-winning monthly Ezine, visit www.findingtime.net/ezine.html