Richmond Area Business Association

7 SECRETS TO SAVING TIME
By Laura Aridgides, CEO of OrganizeNOW

In today's busy world, it's no surprise so many people struggle with how to manage getting everything done.  While we all have the same 24-hour day, only you can decide how you will spend your time.  As a time-management and organization specialist, people most often complain to me about not having enough time to do what they really want to do.  Well, while I can't wave a magic wand and give you more time, I can help you use your time, more efficiently.

Here are my "Top 7 Secrets" to saving time:

1.   Plan each day on paper before it begins.  Did you know that Ben Franklin followed this simple regimen?  Alec Mackenzie writes in his book, The Time Trap, that having "a daily plan in writing is the single, most-effective time-management strategy, yet not 1 in 10 does it."  Take time to look at what your next day will bring.  Be proactive in scheduling, instead of reacting to what happens.

2.   Develop a time-management system, specifically one that is incorporated into your daily life.  With a well-organized foundation, one that is based on a sound time-management system, everything runs more smoothly, and you become more productive and efficient.

3.   Learn what your "time-wasters" are.  This is a big one.  We all have time-wasters.  The phone and email are two of the biggest; but the good news is that they are also two of the easiest to fix.  Assess what your time-wasters are and take active steps to eliminate them.

4.  Use the 80/20 rule.  The 80/20 rule states that 80% of your productivity/results stems from 20% of your effort.  Meaning, conversely, the reverse is equally true:  the remaining 80% of your effort only yields 20% of your total productivity/results.  So, focus on the 20% of your effort that gives you the biggest impact.  You can apply this rule to your "to do" list, and focus on the top 20% of your activities that will produce the biggest value.

5.   Simplify.  Clear out clutter.  We all function more efficiently when there is minimal clutter.  So, take the time to clear the clutter out of your home and life.

6.   Follow the 2-minute rule.  Here is a rule that has a dramatic impact when you do it consistently.  If an action item comes in that needs to be done and it will take you less than two minutes to complete, do it right away!  Only action items that will take longer than two minutes should be scheduled.

7.   Always ask yourself:  "Is this the best use of my time?"   Throughout the day, ask yourself this question and if the answer is "no," you need to make a change and do something else that will be of greater value to you.  Remember, sometimes, the best use of your time is just sitting and playing with your children-or reading a good book; and, sometimes, it is tackling that project you know you need to do but keep putting off because, in the end, it will have a significant impact on your future.

I encourage you to implement the above plan, as soon as possible, even if you opt to do it incrementally and start by choosing just one of these seven "secrets" into your life.  You can and will have more time to do what is important to you.

(Note:  In addition to running a successful direct-sales business and a network-marketing business, Laura Aridgides is CEO of OrganizeNOW, which specializes in helping home-based business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs increase business productivity and profit by teaching them how to incorporate systems that make them more organized and effective with their time.  Laura is the author of Organization for Home-Based Business Professionals and the four-CD series Get Your Office In Order.  She is also available for individual coaching.  For more information, you can contact her at 802-264-4884, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit her on the web at www.OrganizeNOW.info.  To receive a free CD, 7 Secrets to Saving 24 Hours of Time Every Week, visit www.YouNeedMoreTime.com.)