Does your time management system let things get by you?
Todos? Appointments? Answers to problems you have already solved?
What is slipping through the cracks in your life?
What Are You Missing?
If your time management system is not clearly defined, or is too complex, you are probably suffering from leakage. (Not a pretty word…)
Too often, inadequate tools or an incomplete system are the cause of things slipping through the cracks.
When was the last time that your system did it’s job? Are your tools working for you?
“When your todo list or calendar reminds you, in advance, of something that you did not remember… it’s working!”
If your system is not supporting you, you need to ask, “What items are slipping by?”
Because often, the leaks are bigger than you think.
Bigger things are slipping through than you probably realize.
Closing the Gaps
So, how do you stop things from getting through? How do you close the gaps?
Here are several tips to “Stop Things From Slipping Through the Cracks…”
- Define Your System – One of the most important things to do is to define your system. If you do not know what is “in” and “outside” your system, you will constantly be using miscellaneous tools to do the job. Ensure you are selective in which items you allow in your system.
- Keep It Simple – Complexity usually leads to more possible points of failure. I am amazed at some of the setups I see. Your time management workflow shouldn’t look like the start-up checklist for the space shuttle. It should be as simple as possible to support your needs.
- Power of 1 – Too many tools results in things being forgotten, out-of-sync, etc. Practice the “Power of 1,” which means you only have 1 type of each tool for each task.
- Choose Tools You’ll Use – People are constantly buying gadgets, apps, tools, and then don’t use them! Choose tools you’ll use. Select tools that you like and that you are good with. Otherwise, they will end up in a desk drawer somewhere.
- Have a Capture Method – Any discussion of time management leakage, usually comes back to the ability to capture information. Most people do not have a simple notebook or other tool in their time management efforts. Get a Moleskine notebook. Or use an application like Evernote if you are tech savvy.
Don’t Let Opportunity Slip By
Most people assume that they are just missing the small things.
However, big things sometimes get through the cracks, too.
Don’t let opportunities slip you by.
What cracks exist in your time management? What is slipping by you?