“I don’t have enough time.”

I hear this statement often.  Often the perceived lack of time is the result of disorganization and poor time management.

But, what if you are right?

Maybe you don’t have enough time.

How would you know if you simply have too much to do?

Are You Overcommitted?

Do you know how many obligations you have?  Many people who find themselves drowning in their responsibilities are unaware of just how many things are on their plate. (more…)

The other day, after much use, my jogging headphones gave out.  I thought about running over to Best Buy to get a replacement set.

However, it was Saturday afternoon and after quick consideration I decided that it was not worth fighting traffic, crowds, and checkout to go shopping.

Instead, I hopped online and within 2 minutes I had ordered a replacement pair of headphones from Amazon.com.  In fact, the exact pair that had broken.  I ordered them with 1-Click and received 2-day shipping.  (I am an Amazon Prime member).

I then went back to my Saturday activities around the house and could spend more time with my family.

Why Time Management Ninjas Shop at Amazon.com

In managing your time, one of the most powerful things you can do is avoid time wasting activities that are, well…avoidable.

In the case of many tasks, you can save yourself time by practicing what I call Placeshifting and Timeshifting. (more…)

Old time management joke (and to paraphrase George Carlin):

To the person who has lost something: “Well, where did you have it last?”

The answer: “If I knew that, I would still have it!”

But, there is one thing, that if lost, you can never find again.  And unlike your car keys, will not magically show up.  What is it?

Time, of course.

Where Do You Lose Time?

We all get the same amount of time in each day.  No one gets more, no one gets less.  We are all equal in this regard.  It is how we choose to spend our time that differs.

Yet, many people complain that they do not have enough time.  In that case, it might be a good idea to see where your time is going.

So, where are you losing time?  Or maybe, a better question, when are you wasting time? (more…)

Friday, again?  Time for another “No Meeting Friday!”

Today, we have a list of things that you could better spend your time on instead of being locked in a meeting room.

11 Things Your Could Do Instead of That Meeting

1 – Get to Know Your People

When was the last time you got to know your people?  How about interacting with them one-on-one rather than calling the team into a meeting room?  Stop by casually, and instead of asking “What are you doing?” simply ask, “How are you doing?”  Then be quiet and listen.  You will be amazed what you learn.

2- Do Some Creative Work

Most meetings are the killers of creativity.  Instead, set aside time to do nothing but inspirational work.  Seclude yourself from others and interruptions, if necessary.  New ideas don’t appear out of thin air… they appear once you let your mind relax and ponder them over a few times.  Then, you get magic.

3 – Get Your Job Done

How many times have you heard your team say, “I am in so many meetings, that I cannot get my job done!” (more…)

People conform.

You have probably heard that you become like those that you hang out with…

…but, what if those that you are hanging out or working with aren’t like what you want to be?  What then?

Studies have shown that if you hang out with people who are out of shape, you are more likely to become out of shape.  Maybe you take on their eating and exercise habits.  Maybe their body shape becomes acceptable to you, too.  I worked for a company that every time they went to dinner they would order appetizers, meals, drinks, and dessert.  It was the corporate culture.  You felt out of place if you did not do the same.

You get the point.

The same is true about productivity.  If you hang out with people who waste time, procrastinate, and leave things to the last minute…you will start displaying the same habits.  Those behaviors may even become acceptable to you.

Are You the Same or Different?

“If you want to get things done that other do not…then you have to do things that others do not.”

(more…)