How To Leverage Your Time for Better Results
Posted on | April 19, 2010 | No Comments
Ah, leverage … the concept of achieving more with the same – or even less – effort.
In many small communities and organizations I work with, ‘STP [Same Ten People] Syndrome’ is rampant – with burn-out, frustration and community disconnect the usual end results. But by applying the concept of leverage to your time, you can actually work more effectively to produce results.
- Time management is critical. For me, this means having a plan. And while I love and use a variety of online tools, I tend to plan my days/weeks/months out in my well-worn leather day-timer. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. I find satisfaction in seeing my goals in writing and by physically checking off a to-do item.
- Put things into perspective. It’s incredibly easy to get wrapped up in the daily minutiae – emails, phone calls, social networking – but it’s important to ensure these activities help you towards your daily goals. Find a way to monitor and control your information-seeking and networking. I often set time limits on what I’m doing … turning off my cel phone or sending calls directly to voicemail, closing out my email inbox so I’m not flooded with messages, or setting aside certain times of the day to check-in online with others. Be ruthless. And while it’s been hard, I’ve come to understand there is never enough time … but I am the one who must make the choice about how my time is used.
- Set short-term and long-term goals. Be clear on what you want to accomplish and write it down. A report by the end of the day? A meeting with other groups by the end of the week? A list of potential professional development opportunities by the end of the month? Do what is important.
Don’t forget that others can help you leverage your time, as well. If you’ve got help, use it! Delegate. Train and teach others. Outsource.
In my work, I often find great people who are burned-out from an overwhelming amount of priorities. And while it’s second-nature for us rural and rurban folks to be self-reliant, doing so to the best of our abilities is the key.
Here’s to leveraging your time for maximum success! What tips or tricks have worked for you?
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Tags: doing more with less > Leadership > leverage > rural > rurban > time management > work effectively
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Community development, growth and communication in the rural-urban fringe landscape.
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