How to get control of your time and your life （Alan Lakein.）

 

1.       I count ALL my time as important time and try to get satisfaction (not necessarily accomplishment) out of every minute.
2.       I try to enjoy whatever I am doing.
3.       I’m a perennial optimist.
4.       I build on successes.
5.       I don’t waste time regretting my failures.
6.       I don’t waste time feeling guilty about what I don’t do.
7.       I remind myself: "There is always enough time for the important things." If it’s important, I’ll make time to do it.
8.       I try to find a new technique each day that I can use to help gain time.
9.       I get up early during the week (and go to bed early too).
10.   I have a light lunch so I don’t get sleepy in the afternoon.
11.   I don’t watch television except the very special programs that I really want to see.
12.   I examine old habits for possible elimination or streamlining.
13.   If I have to wait for something, I use the time as a chance to relax or do things I would not otherwise have done.
14.   I keep my watch set three minutes fast, to get a head start.
15.   I carry a small notebook with me to jot down notes and ideas.
16.   I revise my lifetime goals list once a month.
17.   I review my lifetime goals every day.
18.   I put up signs over my desk reminding me of my goals.
19.   I keep my long-term goals in mind even while doing the smallest task.
20.   I always plan my day and set priorities first thing in the morning.
21.   I keep a list of specific items to be done each day, or arrange them in priority order, and then do my best to get the important ones done as soon as possible.
22.   I schedule my time well in advance leaving plenty of open time that I can use for "hot projects."
23.   I give myself time off and special rewards when I’ve done the important things.
24.   I do first things first.
25.   I work smarter rather than harder.
26.   I have confidence in my judgment of priorities and stick to them in spite of difficulties.
27.   I ask myself, "Would anything terrible happen if I didn’t do this?" If the answer is "no," I don’t worry about it.
28.   If I seem to procrastinate I ask myself: "What am I avoiding"--then I try to confront the thing head-on.
29.   I start with the most profitable parts of large projects and often find it is not necessary to do the rest.
30.   I cut off nonproductive activities as quickly as possible.
31.   I give myself time to concentrate on high priority items.
32.   I have developed the ability to concentrate well for long stretches of time. (Sometimes it takes lots of coffee.)
33.   I concentrate on one thing at a time.
34.   I focus my efforts on items that will have the best long-term benefits.
35.   I keep pushing and am persistent when I sense I have a winner.
36.   I have trained myself to go down my "Do List" without skipping over the difficult items.
37.   I do much of my thinking on paper.
38.   I set aside a certain time of day to work alone creatively.
39.   I set deadlines for myself and others.
40.   I try to listen actively in every discussion.
41.   I make use of specialists to help me with special problems.
42.   I generate as little paperwork as possible and throw away anything I possibly can.
43.   I keep my desktop cleared for action, and put the most important thing in the center of my desk.
44.   I have a place for everything so I don’t have to waste time looking for things.
45.   I try not to think of work on Saturdays.
46.   I relax and do nothing rather frequently.
47.   I recognize that inevitably some of my time will be spent on activities outside my control and don’t fret about it.
48.   I keep small talk to a minimum during work hours.
49.   I look for action steps to be taken now to further my goals.
50.   I ask myself: "What is the best use of my time right now?"

 

Get Control of Your Time and Your Life
List Goals
List both long term goals and your goals for the next semester or the next six months. Break
down each goal into objectives that are manageable and measurable. Set realistic deadlines.
Set Priorities
Label each objective A, B, or C. Number each objective 1, 2, 3, and so on. You will end up with
objectives labeled A1, A2, A3, B 1, B2, etc.
Make a daily "To Do" List
Do this at the same time daily; preferably at the beginning or the end of your day. Set
priorities.
Start with the A's, Not with the C's
If you have an overwhelming A and find it hard to start working on it, use the Swiss cheese
technique. Poke little holes in the large project and create instant tasks.
Ask yourself, "What is the best use of my time now?"
Even 1O minutes working on an A is a better use of your time than 1O minutes doing a C.
Handle Each Piece of Paper Only Once
Don't pick something up until you are ready to deal with it. Answer memos immediately,
preferably on the same sheet. Don't be a paper shuffler.
Do it now
This program works if you work at it. Use a master time schedule to organize your week.