Step 3: Develop your operating system. Just like a computer has an operating system to tell it what it is suppose to do with what and when, you also have to start developing your own operating system by implementing a formal time management plan. A formal time management plan will guide you in how to use your time. I do not abdicate ridged blocks of time 24/7 – that would fall under “military” but you must become very structured at least during your business or school day.

I enjoy what Jack Canfield suggests: Start your day with an hour of power. Break your first hour into three 20 minute blocks and spend 20 minutes on something for your mind, 20 minutes on something for your health and 20 minutes on something for your soul. I break it down into: 20 minutes reading or listening to audio, 20 minutes meditating or working on a solution to a challenge via self hypnosis (I find this method quicker) and 20 minutes of stretching, light weights (after all I am in my office) or on the Wii Fit (yup, have one of those in the office as well as it makes coming to work so much fun!).

Currently I am reading: How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer. We have it in our bookstore which you can access via the link below:

www.literacycanada.com/hottopic/book-store.html


Step 4: Time management tools. There are a ton of time management tools out there for both PC and Mac. I prefer my Blackberry but most cell phones now a day have, at the very least a day timer/calendar in them. Learn how to use it? There are “personal organizers” out there who will be more than happy to come in and assist you with an organization plan if you need one. For those of you who are like my husband and prefer the old slate and chisel methods, a day planner and a good pen may be all you need.

I do use a hard copy daytime as well. I like the business calendar published by Polestar. www.polestarcalendars.com

If you have favourite time management tools that you would like to share or a specific frustration with this particular topic, please send us a comment. We would love to hear from you and help you out!