Thursday, July 10, 2008

Methods To Maximize Time

By Jennifer Stromsteen

There is no denying in the truth of the old saying, "Time is money."

You never seem to get enough of time. Even if given thirty hours in a day, most people still won't be able to get enough of it. Somehow, some things will come up and you will end up wanting more time. Time is a precious commodity. Once it's gone, it cannot be recovered.

The fact is: when you are busy, time flies swiftly. But when you are not, time seems to be at a stand still. This is true when you are killing time because there is nothing else to do under the circumstances.

How do you maximize the use of your time? It would be worth your time to consider the following strategies:

1. Check your schedule at the start of the day. Review it in its entirety. You may notice that portions of your day may be hectic, while some may not be too frenzied. Distribute your activities evenly throughout the day.

Keep note pads handy so you can keep track of your schedule. It also helps to remind you of your tasks and commitments. Note pads and schedule notebooks help you avoid overlapping of activities. In case of overlaps, determine which one is priority.

After spreading your schedule for the day and you still feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks to be accomplished, you may have to forego some of them. Re-schedule other tasks for another day.

What you are actually doing is very much like cleaning a closet. When your closet is in order, you avoid being accidentally hit on the head by falling objects upon opening its door. Also, if it is in order, you will likely find spare spaces available.

2. Request for a re-schedule in advance. This is especially true when another person will be affected. Show courtesy by doing this in advance. This leaves time for the person to adjust to the new schedule. Who knows? You may be doing the other parties a favor. They may be in the same predicament as you are, and they will not be aware unless you make it known to them.

3. Be creative. Time is an element when simple creativity can be put to practice. For example, you need to do the laundry but at the same time, you also have to rush and buy some groceries. Perhaps, what you can do is to set your washing machine to do the laundry while you step out to the grocers. Manage your time in the grocery and back home, just in time when the laundry is done.

You can even do the cooking at the same time by using a slow cooker. It cooks food by itself. You can even pick up the kids from school after shopping. Four tasks are combined to one. All it takes is scheduling and a little creativity.

4. When you have to do a certain task for the first time, it is natural for mistakes to happen. However, a first time task doesn't have to be a blunder. If there is no clear direction on how things should be done, take time to plan it out before you take action. This saves time, energy, and money.

5. Visualize the possible outcome of your objective. Seek out alternatives. Choose the better of two or more alternatives. If there is only one option, do it just the same. Some tasks may appear difficult when you think about it, but not necessarily when put into action. The same thing is true the other way around.

Time is something you could never have enough of. You become wise when you choose to maximize it.

Article Source: http://www.articlehighlight.com

J Stromsteen has many years expertise in the finance, real estate, and insurance industry. She contributes to various websites such as First Time Home Buyer where you can find today's mortgage rates as well as a wealth of information on getting a First Time Home Buyers Loan.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Get To The Top - Step By Step

By Kevin Sinclair

What are your goals and dreams? So gigantic they make your stomach hurt - just a little? Or are they small, easily achievable and bore you to death?

Goals and dreams can range in stature from small and unassuming to larger than life itself. Which type of goal is the best you may ask? Well, it's good to have both types of goals if you can.

Goals which "scare" you a bit are important. Goals and dreams are intended to stretch your thoughts, your capabilities and your personality, to change you into a new person. No matter how far away it seems, your goals should help you to find the kind of life you consider to be ideal.

History repeatedly informs us about folk who had big dreams regardless of the fact that people around them were all too quick to tell them to keep their feet on the ground. This is, in fact, the case with many successful people whatever their professions - they were all told to get their head out of the clouds at some time in their lives.

You really should not be afraid to have big goals and dreams. If you set yourself a goal which is so far out of your reach, not only will you feel nervous and excited about it at the same time, but you will know exactly how successful you have been when you have achieved that goal.

Nonetheless, it is also necessary to set small achievable goals. You have to believe in yourself as your success depends on this. If the big goal you have in mind is a little too far out of your reach at the present time, start by setting yourself smaller goals. When you are successful with the small goals you will realize just how much more you can achieve.

The small goals you set can be something as straightforward as going to the gym so many times each week or working your way through a list of books to read. Any goal you reach will make you feel good about yourself and will boost your self confidence. Start with small goals but keep your eye on the big goal for the future. You will soon get there once your self esteem is high and flying.

Check the small goals off your list as you achieve them. These will act as stepping stones and help you to believe you can reach your big goal.

Overall success comes from setting both of these types of goals. The bigger ones will help motivate you to success and the little ones assist you to gain the required discipline and confidence as you go.

Article Source: http://www.articlehighlight.com

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of Be Successful News, a site that provides information and articles on how to succeed in your own home or small business.

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