AlzFighter Life: Time management
Hello Fellow AlzFighters!! This is Nurse Marla - Today I wanted to share the time management / organizational tools I utilize. I have found time management to be one of the most challenging aspects of the Alzfighter Life. How do you get it all done AND what should I be doing.
Below is a snip of my actual weekday calendar plan. Note: This is Really detailed. I don't use this throughout the day. Instead I use it to pre plan. The only part that I do follow to the letter are my morning and evening time blocks. Each of the two hour time blocks includes my preset list of critical AM/PM tasks that are really important to me. Some might say that I am too hyper focused on time and my lists and plans. To the nay sayers. You do you boo.Be happy and I respect your opinion and perspectives. For me personally every moment counts. I have also prioritized living and family time and just plain old fun. The bottom line is to find a way that consistently helps you achieve your goals without feeling like drudgery. Let's continue on..where were we? Ohh yeah.. my ultra nerdy 24 hour schedule..Here it is:
FIRST: What is important to me? How am I currently using my time
We are all on equal footing when it comes to time. We are each allocated 24 hours in a day. I manage my time by
Reviewing my current schedule
Listing out the things that are my priorities
Create a schedule grid accounting for the entire day.
Adjust as needed using my task list and time blocks
The Task List Method: A Practical Approach to Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill for individuals seeking to stay organized and achieve their goals effectively. Among various techniques available, the task list method has proven to be an efficient and practical approach. By utilizing task lists, individuals can prioritize and complete their tasks in a structured manner.
Creating a Comprehensive Task List
The first step in utilizing the task list method is to create a comprehensive list of all the tasks and responsibilities that need to be accomplished. These tasks can vary from professional commitments to personal errands, ensuring that nothing is inadvertently overlooked. The task list serves as a primary resource to guide individuals throughout their day, helping them stay focused and informed.
Prioritizing Tasks
After compiling a comprehensive task list, the next step is to prioritize the tasks. Not all tasks are created equal; some are more urgent or significant than others. By assigning priorities, individuals can concentrate their efforts on completing high-priority tasks first, minimizing unnecessary stress and improving overall productivity.
One popular method of prioritization is the ABCD method. In this approach, tasks are classified as follows:
A: Tasks that are critical and require immediate attention.
B: Important tasks that should be completed in a timely manner.
C: Tasks that are nice to complete but can be postponed.
D: Tasks that can be delegated to others.
By categorizing tasks in this manner, individuals can systematically address their responsibilities, ensuring that important tasks are tackled first while still considering the overall scope of their obligations.
Breaking Down Tasks
Tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if they are large or complex. To overcome this, the task list method encourages breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks. This approach allows individuals to clearly see the steps required to complete a task and fosters a sense of accomplishment as each subtask is checked off the list. Breaking down tasks also helps in estimating the time needed to complete them, further improving time management.
Regular Review and Adjustment
As priorities change and new tasks arise, regular review and adjustment of the task list become crucial. By regularly evaluating and updating the task list, individuals can ensure that it remains aligned with their evolving goals and responsibilities. This process helps prevent tasks from being overlooked or forgotten, ultimately improving overall time management efficiency.
Benefits of the Task List Method
Implementing the task list method as a time management technique offers several benefits. It helps individuals stay organized, reduces stress, and increases productivity. By breaking down tasks and prioritizing accordingly, it becomes easier to focus on the most critical responsibilities. Checking off completed tasks provides a sense of accomplishment, motivating individuals to continue working towards their goals.
In conclusion, the task list method provides a practical and effective approach to time management. By creating a comprehensive task list, prioritizing tasks, breaking down complex tasks, and regularly reviewing and adjusting the list, individuals can enhance their productivity and accomplish more in their personal and professional lives. Embracing the task list method empowers individuals to take control of their time and make significant progress towards their goals.
Time Block Method
So as I mentioned before, I have recently started to incorporate the time block method of scheduling into my day.. I have a morning and evening one.. each one happens to be 2 hours long..at least on paper.. sometimes I get done faster than others.. The thing I love about it the most is it works flawlessly with my previous schedule/Calendar. Again if it's too much, you do you boo. How you manage your schedule is completely up to the individual. I am a big nerdy gadget gal. The only thing that is important is that you use some sort of method that helps you to consistently be on track with your goals.
Back to the discussion now. Focus MARLA! The time block method of time management has revolutionized the way people approach their daily schedules. This method involves breaking the day into distinct blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or activities. By allocating focused time periods for individual tasks, individuals are able to maximize their productivity and minimize distractions. Whether it's completing work assignments, tackling household chores, or pursuing personal hobbies, the time block method provides structure and efficiency. This technique also promotes better time awareness and enables individuals to prioritize their tasks more effectively. By dedicating specific time blocks to important activities, people can achieve a greater sense of accomplishment, reduce procrastination, and ultimately improve their overall work-life balance.
