Examples & Strategies
INTERRUPTIONS/DISTRACTIONS: When attempting to complete a task it is important to minimize distractions. These can include things such as people talking to you, your phone, TV, etc. Keeping your focus is important for properly completing your task. Some people handle distractions better then others, but regardless keeping your focus is key in completing tasks
POOR PLANNING: Planning is so critical when you want to accomplish something. Planning in advance provides direction before proceeding toward a goal.
PERFECTIONISM: Although perfectionism is a behaviour it is also an attitude. By striving toward progress rather than perfection, you will free up a lot of your time and energy.
PROCRASTINATION: Like perfectionism, procrastination also is both a behaviour and an attitude. Waiting until the last minute or otherwise putting things off tends to create a crisis or problems that may not otherwise exist. In addition, by not doing something you’re procrastinating about, you also end up wasting considerable time worrying about how much you’re procrastinating. Just do it.
TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF: Taking on the world all by yourself will not serve you or the people around you. Learn to say “no” and to delegate tasks others can do for you (even if it’s not up to your standards).
TAKING ON TO MUCH: Biting off more than you can chew is a prime example of taking on too much. Not having strong clearly communicated boundaries is another example. You do not need to volunteer to be on every project, organization, taskforce, association, etc.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT: A crisis is an unforeseen emergency. By planning and asking yourself whether or not something is truly urgent, what will happen if it’s not handled immediately, you will eliminate a great deal of this behaviour. Remember the old adage, “haste makes waste”.
TOO MUCH SOCIALIZING: Although we all love to have friends and enjoy our relationships, by allowing yourself too much freedom in this area you’ll wind up spending a large percentage of your ‘work’ time socializing and will be pressing to meet deadlines.
NOT VALUING YOUR OWN TIME: Others will not respect or value your time if you don’t send the message that your time is important. Watch your actions, behaviours and commitments–are they communicating the right message?
LACK OF SKILLS: Organizing, prioritizing, decision-making and problem solving skills are all critical in supporting effective use of time. Strengthen these skills and you’ll see a remarkable difference in how you use your time.[1]
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