Productivity

6 Ways to improve memory

There are ways to improve memory. Our memory like the rest of our body needs regular exercise to be in good condition. As the athlete must train to allow the body to respond to difficult times, so does the memory needs its own special training in order to stay in “shape” and improve. There are simple ways, which you can follow to keep your memory in shape and also techniques that can actually help you to improve your memory’s condition and performance.

Memory loss causes

The quality of the memory of a person depends not only on the education, the learning environment and the physical environment in which we live in. It also depends on other factors that can influence our life (e.g. loss of a beloved person). There is also the hereditary genetic factor that plays a very important role. Besides that, other memory loss causes are:

Sleep

There is a direct link between sleep deprivation, insomnia and problems with memory.

A good night sleep is essential for the proper functioning of our memory. Research has shown that it takes at least 6 hours of sleep for the memory to function at its maximum potential.

It is very important not to neglect and ignore the requirements of our body for sleep. If equipped with the necessary sleep, then not only the memory will be better but also you will be able to deal with everyday stress. There is also the option of a power nap, that can help your refresh your mind and memory during the day.

Depression

Depression is a cause that weakens the memory.

Depression in our time has become a very common disease. It can occur in all ages. There are a lot of reasons that may cause depression. Events that very seriously injure the human soul, such as the loss of a beloved person, are usually accompanied by depression and lead to memory problems.

It is important in cases of depression to seek out advice and assistance from qualified doctors. Proper cure of depression allows for the full restoration of memory.

Thyroid Disease

The disease of the thyroid gland is affecting a large number of people and has a negative effect on memory.

The early diagnosis of thyroid disease will prevent further deterioration of memory. The diseases of the thyroid gland may occur in all ages.

Diabetes

Diabetes has become a global scourge. Many patients do not treat diabetes properly. The vascular system failures that continue to reside in a diabetic who does not treat the disease effectively are contributing to memory loss.

The correct treatment and control of diabetes improves memory. Other chronic diseases of the liver, lungs, kidneys adversely affect the memory. In such cases early diagnosis and treatment improve memory and prevent further deterioration.

Alcohol and drugs

The alcoholism, drugs and some medicines, may cause memory loss or even degeneration of other intellectual abilities.

Alcoholics initially have problems with their short memory. Then the amnesia is exacerbated by problems with long-term memory.

Moderate alcohol consumption (1 to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women, daily), does not harm the brain. Unlike the excessive consumption of alcohol is toxic to the brain and memory.

Drugs can harm the brain and reduce mental capabilities. For example ecstasy (the drug) causes serious damage to memory.

Lack of Vitamin B12

The lack of certain vitamins can also lead to memory loss. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain. A balanced diet gives the body the necessary vitamins and minerals needed.

Vitamin B12 is found in fish, eggs, meat, poultry, milk and dairy products.

6 Ways to improve your memory

As already mentioned our memory is like an athlete. The more you practice your brain and memory the better will be their performance. The saying “practice makes perfect” is applicable for the improvement of our memory as well. Besides the factors that can lead to a memory loss (as explained above), there are some ways to adopt in order to improve your memory. The most important are show below:

1. Never stop learning

Look for topics that interest you and really get involved with learning new information and developments about them. If possible, you can join groups of common interest in classes or courses in order to come into contact with other people who have common interests with you.

Reading, following lectures, programs, information on television and the Internet, are sources of continuous education for your brain with beneficial results to your memory.

2. Cultivate your social and family relationships

The man has inherent sociability. The more social you are, the better it is for your brain. The isolation is damaging many body systems. Studies have shown that the brain and heart have a lot to gain from good family and social relationships.

In this context you can become a volunteer providing assistance where the community needs you, or even to participate in an organized group, which corresponds to your own interests. If you have a pet for example, you can socialise with other people who have a pet and discuss with them relevant issues with them and develop closer relations.

3. Develop new habits

Every time you oblige yourself to do something new, in fact you oblige yourself to trigger new forces to achieve the objectives you have set.

Consider changing the location of your furniture, try button up your shirt with one hand or lay butter on bread in a different way or with you eyes closed, try to learn to use the mouse with your other hand. You can think of several original ideas on the way to exercise your brain and help your memory improve.

4. Exercise your mind with games

The more you use the features of the brain, the more you help your memory stay in shape. There are many games that arouse your intellectual capabilities but can also contribute to a better sociability. Backgammon, chess, puzzles and many other board games offer you entertainment and also help you improve memory.

5. Physical Exercise can improve your memory

Physical exercise improves the circulatory system. Even the simple but regular daily exercise such as fast walking can improve the heart and the oxygenation of the brain. There is no need to be a marathon runner in order to benefit from physical activity. The benefits of exercise affect positively many body systems, and particularly our memory and other cognitive capabilities. It is enough to exercise for 20 minutes everyday in simple forms of exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming and dancing.

It is scientifically proven that walking for 2.5 hours each week substantially improves the memory in people over 50.

6. Food that will help you improve your memory

What we eat every day, affects the performance and long-term condition of our memory. Surveys in recent decades, have shown that certain foods can contribute to the better functioning of the neural circuits of the brain that control memory.

The common feature of these foods is that they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help and benefit the nervous system.

Remember that in order to get better results with vitamins in your body, it is better to eat more fruits and vegetables rather than taking vitamin supplements. The reason is that by eating foods rich in vitamins you also absorb other useful nutrients that act complementary and support the work of vitamins.

Some of the foods that can improve your memory are:

1. Green leafy vegetables, spinach, cabbage, lettuce
2. Broccoli and cauliflower
3. Fruit juice, fruit
4. Various kinds of berries, pomegranates
5. Nuts
6. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel
7. Olive oil and other vegetable oils

12 hacks on how to become a teamwork guru

Teamwork is a very important aspect of every life. The person’s ability to work harmoniously in a team as well as the communication and interpersonal skills are key factors for succeeding in the workplace. Persons who posses these characteristics are more likely to be successful in today’s competitive business environment. There are some simple tips and techniques that one can easily follow to improve these skills and become a teamwork guru.

Why good teamwork relationships are important?

The relationship we have with our colleagues in the workplace, is affecting our psychological condition, productivity and quality of life in general. No doubt the quality of relations that exists between the members of a group working for a common purpose in a workplace is a key factor for the success of the group.

A harmonious relationship and good communication between the members of a team is necessary for the effective cooperation in achieving the goals of the team, and is an irreplaceable weapon in the struggle for your own personal success.

Inevitably in a human environment, you should expect to have different approaches to solving problems.

Problems arise all the time. They create difficult situations and controversy.

The disagreements, competitive behaviour and poor communication, can lead to bad relations between the members of a group working for a common goal.

Furthermore, differences in attitudes, position, level of education in the various hierarchical levels, can help create situations that lead to bad relations with negative implications in terms of efficiency.

How to become a teamwork guru by improving your communication and interpersonal skills?

There are some techniques that can be adopted by a person working in a group in order to improve the communication and interpersonal skills and become a teamwork guru.

1. Respect, appreciation and professionalism

The relations with others who work with you should first be characterized by respect and appreciation to the other and professionalism.

2. Learn to listen

Learn to listen carefully when others speak. Allow the person to show you their problems without interruption, showing that you are going to handle their problem with careful thought and with respect. At the same time learning what they want and what they need.

To listen with attention and concentration may allow you to discover things that were hidden and not known. Listening carefully and understanding the needs that exist, increases the chances to find a solution.

3. Try to understand what others are trying to say

Try to understand the view of others. To bring about mutual understanding and to leave the misunderstandings, it is good to repeat in your own words what the other person says and asking if this is what they really meant.

Collect information and ask if you need some clarifications. The information will help you learn to adopt a responsible course of action.

4. Recognize the concerns and fears of others

To identify the thoughts and feelings of others does not mean that you accept their arguments. For example, you can tell the other person that you understand why he/she is disappointed or upset. You can even say that you understand his/her position, but this is another way to see some things.

Understanding the concerns of others helps to build confidence and contributes to the solution of problems.

5. Be willing to cooperate

Try to promote group work for solving problems. Show that there is mutual trust and believe that your colleague raises some issues in good faith.

6. Look for issues that you agree

Start by dealing with small issues that are easier to solve and then move on to more difficult issues. If you realize that things begin to degenerate return back to any matters to which you have in common.

7. Express your feelings

Try to use words like ‘feel’, ‘believe’, and base your arguments on facts. Avoid criticism or accusations.

In these situations you must be consistent and not do things that are not expected, because this could undermine mutual confidence.

8. Do not take things personally

Do not respond to threats or personal attacks. If you are angry and you feel that is necessary, you can tell that you are angry that moment and that you prefer to continue the discussion later when you pass the anger.

9. Learn to admit that you made a mistake

When you really feel you made a mistake it can be very effective and may have a catalytic effect to admit your mistake.

10. Do not hurry to agree immediately

Do not hurry to solve a problem early. You should talk to the other person to indicate that you should decide together for the next step. Any decision should be mutually accepted.

11. Think of possible solutions before a meeting

Before you get into a process of debate you should first decide what you really want. Also, you need to know about what you are prepared to lose and what compromises you can do to get what you want.

A third party that is neutral, could be useful for you to understand better the situation. Think also about ways of monitoring the solution you will propose.

12. Adopt a step- by- step approach

Handling and resolving a conflict is a gradual process. Conflict and confrontation will not be solved with a single interaction.

You need to understand the issues of conflict and you need to make sure that all parties understand those issues. There may be setbacks during the process but gradually and using a step-by-step approach you should move towards an acceptable solution by all parties.

Manage Stress with 12 Time Management tips

Efficient time management is one of the ways to manage stress in our life. In the world of technology and computers all designed to make our lives easier and add to our free time, day by day we are ultimately more busy than ever! Single or with family responsibilities, we must all find ways to organize and manage our time so that we get little time for our own personal pleasure and relaxation. Our time is our life. The more we are able to plan and manage our time in an effective manner, the more we will be able to enjoy our lives.

But not everyone is having the gift of efficient organization and proper time management. Often many people feel that they are oppressed by the many things they have to do for their family, home or work.

The pressures felt by the unrestrained flow of things we have to do during working hours are increasing and eventually they become intolerable by the additional requirements that currently exist in our personal and family life.

All this creates too much stress and removes the psychological calm that we all need so much today.

Does this mean that we are condemned to the mass of committed work to be done, suffering psychologically and having repercussions on our physical health?

The answer is NO. If we do not have the inherent gift of good organisation and management of time and innumerable obligations of each kind are invading us continuously, it is possible with a methodical effort to learn to apply a few basic principles that will be able to protect us. To manage stress effectively you must first be able to manage your time efficiently.

The benefits of such a successful effort will not only reduce our levels of stress, but will also improve our psychology, mood and satisfaction, and it is a major step towards better physical health. Let us see then how best to approach the issue of proper management and efficient use of our time.

1. Create a to-do list

Initially we can make a list of our daily obligations, or even with the obligations we have to perform in the near future, specifying when and how our obligations will be met. Repetitive obligations can be planned for specific days and times where we have the appropriate time and availability to finish them.

We must never forget that the planning and design of our activities for each day gives us a large degree of control of our time. We must recognize what is important for us and be placed first on our list.

2. Create a ‘smart’ plan

Plan the most difficult things you have to do at the beginning of the week so you are more relaxed by the weekend. Difficult tasks is better to place them on Monday or Tuesday while most mechanical jobs around the middle of the week, leaving Thursday and Friday free and more relaxed as these two days accumulate the fatigue and stress from the work of the rest of the week.

3. Find extra time for your self

If you wake up half an hour earlier in the morning you will earn a little extra time for your self. Also you can achieve the same if you sleep half an hour later. Half an hour of sleep makes no difference in our rest but can give us comfort in our daily activities.

4. Get your priorities right

We must learn to put priorities! According to the Pareto Principle, 80% of our achievements must employ 20% of our efforts. In other words, with less effort to achieve more results. So as the English say” “First things, first!” The most important tasks must be first and ranked first in our priorities. Do not neglect your important tasks to achieve the insignificant!

5. Delegation

Try to share some of your obligations and tasks with other family members or with other colleagues in your work, if you feel that you cannot anticipate everything. In this way you manage to reduce stress and achieve effectiveness in dealing with anything. At the same time what you choose to do, do it right and save time for your self. The art of transferring work to others can provide many benefits to people with managerial positions who are usually overburdened by obligations.

6. Say ‘NO’

We must learn to say NO and not undertake obligations and tasks that we cannot carry out. If you do not have the time, you can refuse a proposal to go out or you can avoid that dinner with your in-laws. You are not obliged to squeeze everything in a moment. Choose to do things that really say thank you or that really needs to be done immediately.

7. Do it right from the beginning

We need to be careful when we are engaged with important and quality tasks. It is preferable from the beginning to do such jobs carefully and correctly because experience shows that we might need more time to do the necessary corrections afterwards.

8. Break long jobs into smaller tasks

Another technique that can help us in managing both stress and our time is to break down long tasks that are usually unwanted or difficult to smaller tasks. We can, for example, every day, systematically to spend ten minutes for an unwanted or difficult work. When you start this way, it is possible to understand that you are progressing and that the completion of such work will come quickly.

9. Don’t try to be perfect

You should limit the perfection, which dominates most of us. The pointless game of perfection in trivial things is a waste of time and restricts us dealing with something else.

10. Filter our to-do lists

Equally important is to recognize what is not so essential for us and remove it from our to-do lists. Here we must be very harsh on our choices. Removal from our schedule tasks that are not crucial, will free our time, which we can use for rest and for other things that are more important.

11. Practice better Self-Control

We should always control our self in regards to the activities we perform. We need to thorough examine how we spend our time every day. If necessary, for a few days we can write on a paper all our activities. Then we will examine our activities and enhancement our time. We must look for what we can remove or we can modify some activities for us to gain more time.

12. Do not forget entertainment and rest

As effective and efficient we can be; we must never forget that our time is short and precious and must be respected. It is good to avoid things that burden us psychologically and learn to be creative and happy in our everyday life. We must not forget to entertain our self, because lack of entertainment in our life leads to emotional fatigue which is easily converted into physical tiredness. Save time for yourself, you deserve it!

We must not also forget the great significance of good sleep, rest and vacation for our effectiveness. The sleep and rest helps us become more focused, finish the work in less time and produce a better quality work.

If you feel depressed and stressed, then take a day off from work. Do something you like, relax. This will help you get organised better and manage your time more efficiently when you get back.

15 Ways to Digg your mind for new ideas

A good idea is the starting point, the impetus for everything we do. It is the most important success factor for a new project and at the same time the most difficult one.

Creativity is not a special skill, ability or privilege of a few people, but instead is the result of careful and structural thinking.

Digging your mind for new ideas is not an easy thing to do. This article gives you 15 tips and techniques on how to prepare your self and mind for your next big idea.

1. Exercise your mind by reading

Like the body, the mind needs exercise. One way to exercise your mind is to study the ideas and projects of smart people. For example, biographies of successful people are an excellent source of inspiration. Also reading magazines that are considered serious, such as Forbes, Business Week and The Economist, web sites like “Pick the Brain”, “Digg” and “Self Growth” is “food for the brain.” Reading other ideas, makes it easier to digg your ideas and bring them on the surface.

2. Write your ideas down

It would be a shame to suddenly come up with an excellent idea and after a while to forget it. Do not rely solely on your memory. Keep a notebook, a PDA or a recorder with you in order to capture the idea any time of the day – even besides your bed, in case your inspiration throws you a visit at 2 in the morning.

After you capture your idea, try to use it as soon as possible. Expand your thinking of how this idea can be implemented. What are the good things about this idea, how it can help you improve in an area. These ideas are like fruit: the fresher they are consumed, the better.

3. Discuss your new ideas with others

People have different views, different influences and different cultures, which make their minds work so uniquely. Discussing your ideas with others can help you discover new opportunities to integrate into the idea and ways to expand and enrich it and create your own unique marketing ideas. The discussion may bring something that had not previously gone through your mind, which will broaden your original idea.

Never discard any ideas. Some things that sound silly in the beginning may be simply rough diamonds at the end. Moreover, while discussing try to keep the conversation “open” and non-critical, encourage your friends to use their imagination to the fullest.

4. Find your creative environment

Sometimes a change of scene is what you need to get inspiration. The mind subconsciously changes our mood depending on the place we are. When you are in the office, which often is the most inappropriate place to get inspiration, it is very likely your brain to operate in a ‘limited’ fashion.

Take a walk, go to the gym, and sit by the sea. Visit a new place where you can leave your mind and your body to explore free.

5. Break the barrier between generations

The brains of children are still fresh and free from social constraints, while their innocence is not yet limited by the experience of adults. Tell them what you thing and try to see things from their own point of view. Ask them their opinions on anything you are thinking to do. You may be surprised. Moreover, unlike adults, children are not trying to impress others, so it is absolutely sincere when they say their opinion.

On the other hand, you should always consult adults older than you. They have seen and done many things in their life, and their wisdom is often undervalued. The perspective of a well-trained mind will guide you on the right track, and we’ll keep you away from trouble.

6. Challenge the rules – innovate

Forget for a moment the protocol. The rules are good, but sometimes can act as blindfolds, preventing you to see and take advantage of all ideas. Try new ways of doing things despite how proven the old recipe is. Innovate. The most brilliant ideas have always had something revolutionary and innovative, so the system by which they arose from should be put into question from time to time.

7. Explore your areas of expertise

To let your mind free is certainly good. Equally important however, is to remain within the boundaries of your knowledge and experiences. Do not try to solve an economic problem if you’re architect. One idea might be great for a field and disastrous for someone else. If you need to enter into unknown territory for you, first discuss your ideas with a specialist on that area and allow him to adapt your idea to the needs of this sector.

8. Digg the ideas out of your mind

This is a popular pursuit for writers. Just get paper and pen and write whatever comes to your mind. Start recording the problem you want to resolve and write down free notes, which will be connected by arrows. It does not matter if they initially seem unreasonable or irrelevant between them. Maybe the end result has nothing to do with the original issue, but you are doing your mind an injection of creativity. Besides that, who knows you may end up with the answer you were looking for written on the paper in front of you.

9. Digg your memory for ideas you had in the past

Recall your previous ideas, refine them; add some new details. These ideas are like computers: they need upgrading quite often. You can achieve this better if you write your original ideas into a piece of paper and start thinking of ways to expand them. If an idea can be combined with another, new or old, try it.

10. Find your inspiration mousse

Can you think of one item, a song, a party you attended, or a person who inspires you? Use it to get your inspiration. Try to get close to your inspiration mousse and starting digging some new ideas.

11. Utilize your time better

Our busy daily schedule does not leave us much time for thinking. Sometimes the best time we have for thinking is while going to work either by car or other means. Try to take advantage of this ‘free-thinking’ time and digg your mind for the next big idea.

12. Exercise

One of the main benefits of exercise is that it helps to ‘clean’ our mind from the daily hassles and stress. When trying to think of a new idea, exercise can help you isolate your other thoughts and put all your mind power to come up with the new idea. [ See also Benefits of Exercise]

13. Digg it, Google it, Buzz it

People always try to think of new ideas. Most of the new ideas are available in today’s most used media, the Internet. Do a bit of research on social networking, and on the popular search engines, like Digg, Google and yahoo, to see what other people are doing in your area. By searching and reading what others did it will help you come up with some new ideas of your own.

14. Organize your thinking

There are 4 ways to organise your new ideas

Collection of information – collect as much information as possible for your new idea.
Evaluation of data – Evaluate the above data about your new idea. Analyze and compare your idea with what is already available.
Estimate the probabilities – Is you idea feasible. Can it be implemented?
Implementation of the idea – Go ahead, create your schedule and start implementing you new idea. Do not be afraid that you will not succeed. If you don’t try your new idea you will never know if it was a successful idea or not.

15. Do not give up

Always think positive. Do not give up if you struggling to find some new ideas but you are not managing it. Coming up with a new and fantastic idea is not an easy task to do. It may take some time or it may come to you suddenly when you are not expecting it. Keep digging and thinking…remember that people always come up with new and interesting ideas…be patience and your new idea is on its way!

9 Ways to Manage Your Time at Work

Following our previous post 16 Tips for Better Time Management we expand more on the topic with 9 tips on how to manage your time at work.

Nowadays many people are always under “time pressure” and they are constantly overwhelmed by work without the results to justify the effort.

The result?

Anger, stress and Frustration;
Inability to complete even the seemingly small or insignificant tasks;
Limited or no time for social / personal life;
Endless list of obligations and outstanding issues.

Before you reach into any conclusion about your skills or any possible weaknesses, we propose you first identify those tasks which can “steal” the precious minutes of your day:

Telephone calls
Poor management of e-mail. Is your inbox the size of a telephone directory? How often do you interrupt your work to read incoming messages?
The “one minute” disruption. Think how often you interrupt your work for only for 1 minute to answer a question or read an email. After each break you need about 5-6 minutes to revert back to your work.
Poor management of meetings. Consider the time you spend weekly on preparation, implementation and review of meetings.
Tasks you should assign to others. If you prefer to do everything on your own, you will never finish.
Avoid taking decisions. Is the “hard work” you have in mind a relatively easy job that was not completed the time it should have been completed?
Weakness in denial. You do not wish to upset others, or from the fear of possible consequences, you never say “no” when you are asked to do that extra task or activity that normally you shouldn’t.
A ‘messy’ office. Each paper over your desk distracts your attention 5 times a day. Think how much time you lose looking for something that is “buried” beneath the pile of papers.

Good management of time (Time Management) requires clear thinking and good planning. So manage your time, starting now:

1.Write in a piece of paper

It is extremely difficult to pinpoint the time lost every day in “minor things” (phones, e-mail, etc.). Record accurately for a few days your activities and the time you spend in them.

2.Concentrate on the important activities

According to the Pareto principle (80:20), 80% of the output resulting from the “critical” 20% of the effort. Give priority where appropriate.

3.Find your productive time

If you work 7 ½ hours a day, you have approximately 1,500 production hours per year. Discover the hours you are more productive to work the most difficult and painful issues.

4.Do not postpone things for later

Tackle each issue when it is needed. Do not leave it for another “better time”. When under the pressure of time you are likely to make mistakes and take faulty decisions.

5.Start a job and finish it without interruptions

If you leave many jobs pending, at the end you will need more time to find where they had left.

6.Delegate jobs to other people

Do not do everything on your own, simply because YOU CANNOT! Share responsibilities with others who can help you. Check periodically the progress of their work.

7.Schedule your communication

Set a few hours each day to deal with phone calls and e-mail. Set some time in the day to discuss and organize your routine matters.

8.Organise your office

Keep only the necessary papers, create a clever, simple and easy to use archiving system (envelopes, colours) and organize the largest volume of your work online. Try to avoid irritating paperwork.

9.Book an Appointment with … yourself

This is the most important tip from all. Find some time, maybe one hour per day and hide from people, phone, and email. Do what you would do if you had an important appointment in your office. It is particularly productive. Take it!

16 Tips for Better Time Management

Every day has only 24 hours – and this applies to all people. Some people are constantly under pressure due to lack of time. This article is about how you can learn to manage your valuable time more efficiently.

In reality we cannot manage time, we can only manage ourselves and our relationship with time. After all, how we use (or utilize) our time is largely a matter of habit. And habits are not that easy to change.

To organize and manage our time – and generally our life- we need to clarify our objectives, this means we need to identify what to organize and make sure we know where we want to be and be ready to accept the possible ‘cost’. In order for us to be able to change how we operate, we first need to ‘consider’ and understand how we use our time now.

How do you usually spend your time:

Interruptions from others (telephone calls – visits)
Doing work that should be assigned to others
Indecision
Lack of adequate information about what you have undertaken to do
Unclear priorities
Lack of planning
Stress and tiredness
Inability to say «no»
Lack of organization in your surroundings, and that also disrupt you
Lack of flexibility – very tight, rigid and unrealistic planning are some factors that have the ability to swallow your time!

In addition, disorganization and misuse of our time is supported and maintained by the following perceptions:

‘Leave it for one more day’, never mind we will do everything tomorrow
I perform better under pressure
Others are delayed, why not me?
I cannot start something if I do not know exactly how to finish it
I cannot be under pressure, I want to be free
I cannot deny my help to others
Better to do everything myself, I have to be in control
I do not have time to deal with the organization and management of my time

The «chaos» and the disruption may mean lack of motivation or even avoid lack of accountability.

In these cases the problem is not as «obvious» as one – small or large-difficulty in organizing and managing time. You may need to locate and review your perceptions about the responsibilities, incentives and priorities and wonder who is the one who «loses» besides you by this attitude.

If you are resisting the idea of time management because you prefer to be more free and spontaneous, it might help to think that the effort is not aimed at making us ‘slaves’ to one more schedule. Rather is to liberate us from stress and inconvenience created from the bad management of our time.

What you can do to manage your time better?

The skills needed for time management are planning, organization, self-control and delegation (delegating responsibilities to others). In that respect the following 16 tips can be useful:

1. Log your activities

Keep a weekly diary of activities and record for 2 -3 weeks everything you do per hour: when you’re awake, how much time you allocate for everyone, how much time you did nothing special or important, how much time you rest, sleep etc.

2. Clear out your obligations

Locate the points on which you could make some changes and clear out which of these are actually your obligations and responsibilities or if they are obligations you undertook without having enough time either by habit or because you did not say no.

3. Identify your deadlines

Write down what you should do and when it must be completed, divide the activities per day / week and long-term goals, to get a clear picture of what you have to do and when.

4. Do you forget personal and social activities

The activities and objectives should not only include professional activities or other obligations, but also personal and social activities. Your program should cover all your needs.

5. Organize your goals

Organize your goals based on two criteria: degree of urgency and importance:

a) Should be done today – tomorrow, etc.,
b) Should be done at ‘that date’. Set a date,
c) Can postpone it for so many days,
d) Can ask someone else to do it

Start from the most important and urgent

6. Delegation

When you delegate something to someone else: you need to decide what is it, who is best qualified to undertake it, what information you should pass etc. Mainly you have to undertake the responsibility together and accept the fact that it will not be executed as exactly you would have done it.

7. Identify your priorities

Locate deadlines, expired items, etc. These should be in the top of your list!

8. Clean up your list

Make a list of everything you think is not worth doing and do not do it!

9. Focus

Concentrate only on one item at a time. Otherwise, if while dealing with something you think everything you can do after (tomorrow, the rest of week, next month, the rest of your life…), most likely you will get bored and disappointed. It is like every time you eat you think all meals you must eat in your life!

10. Work environment

Create a suitable environment to work, one that fits your way.

11. Be realistic

Make sure that your objectives are realistic and do not try for the impossible.

12. Plan for the unpredicatable

Include in your programme (schedule) unpredictable items and situations (e.g. problems with the computer): allow an extra time gap to adjust your program if necessary.

13. Motivate your self

Do not let boredom to discourage you if what you have to complete is boring. Find motivation: consider the advantages when you finish, like the feeling of satisfaction, relief and freedom that will get. Do not underestimate the boring obligations (eg home cleaning and other tasks related to running your home). When neglected they tend to become a mountain!

14. Say “NO”

Learn to say «no» in other activities, requests, people who eat (utilize) your time (unless indeed that very moment is necessary for your to help them). Turn off your phone and lock the door, to avoid unnecessary interruptions from others.

15. Utilize your capabilities

Use your biological rhythms to guide you: locate and utilize the hours of the day you’re most active and productive.

16. Compromise

Give yourself the right and excuse that in some days you may not be productive. If nothing else, you will have the chance to be more productive in other days!

Time management is a skill that needs time to master and bring results. Ultimately, time management will give you the extra time you need to be able to enjoy what is most important for you!

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