Do you constantly feel like you don't have enough time to do the things you need to do or want to do? If so, you may want to take a look at your organizational skills and time management skills. If you spend too much time on unimportant tasks, you will not have enough time to spend on important tasks. The main reason for this is a failure to set priorities.
A multi-grid "TO DO" list can help:
|
|
IMPORTANT |
SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT |
NOT IMPORTANT |
|
URGENT |
Call about biopsy results |
Arrange transportation to airport |
Fix flat tire |
|
LESS URGENT |
Order new prescription blanks |
Make reservations for dinner |
|
|
NOT URGENT |
Review recent medical literature |
Redo office forms |
Gossip with coworkers |
Use a day planner to schedule your time. Organize your files and desk so that you can find important information quickly. Set aside some time early in the day to accomplish "important but not urgent" tasks. If you don't do this, minor emergencies and interruptions during the day will keep you from doing tasks that are important for career advancement and personal development. Jeffrey J. Mayer's book, If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?, provides invaluable advice on getting organized and managing your time.
