Time Scheduling

Time Scheduling:

          Over the years I have found many different ways to schedule and monitor time by progress and by increments.  There are a few different versions out there.  I know a lot of people have fallen reliant on electronics.  This is not a big concern till you realize you didn't charge the used device, left it somewhere, had it stolen, or the device gets broken. 
          In any of the above mentioned events you should always have a hard copy of your agenda, projects and plans.  You especially need this if you live by precise time allotments. 
         
Here are some examples of scheduling time:

1.  15 minute increments.  I recommend this to start out if you are having difficulty with getting anything done.  Train the brain to focus on the task at hand.  Eventually you will be able to upgrade to 30 minutes and even an hour. 

2.  Blocking method.  For example you have to be out the door for 8am.  You have a shower, last minute work, dress, children, a spouse to get ready.  You know roughly how much time you need for each person and all of the tasks involved.  So you decide 5:30am is required to be up.  Block method is then scheduled in as morning routine from 5:30am to 8am in which I have to be out the door. 

3.  There is another block method that I am more akin to.  A list of daily items may include:  work 3 hrs, lunch 1 hour, 3 personal hours supper 1 hour, work 3 more hours. 

Now lets take a block:  first 3 hours of work. 

I list a number of activities that need to be cleared.  Usually I have more on the list than required.  Any remaining items get moved to the next day. 

I divide the list into top three priority items, I hate doing list, and then extras would like to get done.  In most cases the extras would likely get bumped into one of the above categories due to being left along or an opening has occurred in the top 3 item.  This example is by a dear friend of mine.

priority list:

1. Edit finished work.  2 chapters.
2. Call the publisher.
3. Remove and install a better speech to text program.

hate to do:

1. Phone calls.
2. Networking.
3. Typing hand written work because the program is crappy.

Extras:

1. Start next chapter.
2. Read business book on networking skills.  2 chapters.
3. Re-define personal business mission statement to include written down changes.
4. Clean desk area.
5. Re-supply work area.  Will be needed done by end week. 

Now with the list tomorrow she may still have 2 chapters to edit, doesn't have to call the publisher and has a new speech program set up.  So 2 things from the extras list can be bumped as priority.  Especially anything with a time date.  Under the hate to do list the program is running and no need to manually type in the written work so she may add files update or client screening and get those things done.  All the while she will be adding other things to do in her extras list.

I love this last one as it gives a running list of what was accomplished and easy to set the next day.  A more free form schedule is easier to maintain and allows for illness, interruptions etc.  All you have to do is mark down how far along you were before the interruption.  With changes like this stop at regular meal times even if you slept till 10am.  Lunch at 12 and now it is time to finish off that 1 1/2 hours of the morning work load. 

Schedule how you need to and to what works best for you.  Not every system works for everybody.

Which system to you use?  Do you work on it daily or weekly?

Nadine Seely
Organizing Coach/life planner
DustBunnyHell