Here are a few rules for using the time log:
1. Fill in the log as you do the activity. Do NOT rely on your memory at the end of the day.
2. Make comments next to your activities to help you prioritize and make better estimates the next time.
3. Keep the log for at least a week to get an accurate representation of each day of the week.
4. You can keep a log for work only or you can incorporate your home duties to in order to get the most productivity out of the 24 hours we all get each day.
5. Once the log is completed you can ask yourself:
– are there common interruptions in your day?
– do you procrastinate between tasks when you should be working?
– ask yourself why you are doing the task – if the reason isn’t clear then look at options for prioritization or delegation.
6. Look closely at tasks that you complete – are you doing the right activities during high energy times that result in good productivity or are you completing tasks during low energy times that should be done during high energy times?
After keeping the log for a week, and analyzing the results, it’s time to make some changes. By becoming aware of time wasting activities you can self-correct. Make plans to change and write down your plans. Some of the common areas that require change are procrastination and difficulty delegating.
Do not forget to incorporate down times into your daily schedule to help boost your mental energy and recharge your batteries. All work and no play is a set up for burnout.
By keeping track and analyzing your mistakes you’ll be able to become much more productive and develop a clear understanding of your future.
Resources:
Mind Tools: Activity Logs
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_03.htm
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